Mental Health FeesLegal Aid & Controlled Legal Representation (CLR) Rates
Legal Aid for Mental Health Law cases is structured based on the type of case and the level of work involved.
1 . Non-Tribunal Cases (Legal Help)
For mental health cases that do not involve a tribunal application, such as:
Separate Hospital Manager’s Hearings
Complaints about care, treatment, or detention
Legal issues unrelated to the tribunal process
A fixed fee of £253 is payable.
If the work required exceeds £759, then we will be paid at an hourly rate (see below).
2 . Tribunal Cases (Controlled Legal Representation – CLR)
Cases involving an application to the Mental Health Tribunal are structured into three levels:
Level 1 – Initial Advice
Covers initial legal advice and first steps in preparing for a tribunal.
Fixed Fee: £129
If work exceeds £387, hourly rates apply (see below).
Level 2 – Negotiation & Preparation
Covers negotiation with doctors and hospital managers, preparation for hearings, and meetings with professionals.
Fixed Fee: £321
If work exceeds £1350, hourly rates apply.
Level 3 – Tribunal Representation
Covers full representation at the tribunal hearing and related aftercare services.
Fixed Fee: £249
If work exceeds £2232, hourly rates apply.
Adjourned Hearings
If your case requires more than one tribunal hearing before a final decision is made, an additional £117 is paid for each adjournment.
This is added to the overall fixed fee of £744.
Hourly rates apply only if the total work exceeds £2232 plus three times the additional £117 per adjournment.
Hourly Rates, Telephone Calls & Letters
If work on your case exceeds the fixed-fee limits, we will be paid at the following hourly rates:
Level 1 Tribunal & Non-Tribunal Cases
Letters: £4.05 per letter
Telephone Calls: £4.05 per call
Preparation & Attendance: £52.65 per hour
Travel & Waiting: £28.62 per hour
Level 2 & 3 Tribunal Cases
Letters: £4.14 per letter
Telephone Calls: £4.14 per call
Preparation & Attendance: £57.83 per hour
Travel & Waiting: £28.62 per hour
Advocacy (representing you in tribunal hearings): £65.79 per hour
