Prospects of success

We have to assess the prospects for success in applications. To do this you need to give us full information about your client’s case and their position in it.

We have separate guidance on the most common types of applications to let you know what information we need to assess prospects of success.

Defining prospects of success

You need to give your view on the prospects and the reasons for reaching this view. We will consider this as part of our overall assessment of the application.

You also need to give a numerical rating for prospects and say whether prospects are “excellent”, “good”, “fair” or “poor”. The numerical scale is from “1” to “10” with “1” meaning the prospects are almost non-existent and “10” meaning the case is certain to be successful.

Timing of the application and the status of the dispute
Cost and benefit analysis

In this section

Assessing probable cause and reasonableness

Overview of reasonableness factors

View the factors we must consider when deciding if your application for civil legal aid is reasonable and access further guidance on these topics.

Assessing probable cause and reasonableness

Timing of the application and the status of the dispute

Learn how the reasonableness test is affected by premature applications, if an offer has been made and if existing proceedings or foreign court could be used.

Assessing probable cause and reasonableness

Cost and benefit analysis

Find out the different factors we take into account during our cost benefit analysis when we are considering whether it is reasonable to grant civil legal aid.

Assessing probable cause and reasonableness

Strategic impact or wider public interest of the case

Find out how we consider the strategic or wider interest in your client’s case & address tests in Regulation 15, Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002