https://www.slab.org.uk/guidance/telephone-calls-4/
https://www.slab.org.uk/guidance/telephone-calls-4/
Telephone calls of up to four minutes are paid at the formal rate.
| Advice & Assistance | Not applicable | |
| ABWOR |
|
Not applicable |
| Legal Aid |
Schedule 1
|
4(e) |
Telephone calls of over four minutes and up to 10 minutes are paid at the non-formal rate.
| Advice & Assistance | Not applicable | |
| ABWOR |
|
Not applicable |
| Legal Aid |
Schedule 1
|
3(d) |
Telephone calls of over 10 minutes are chargeable at the “non-advocacy” rate based on the actual time expended.
| Advice & Assistance | Not applicable | |
| ABWOR |
|
Not applicable |
| Legal Aid |
Schedule 1
|
2(a) & (b) |
Telephone attendances are prescribed by regulation depending on their duration.
The variable rates reflect that telephone calls can cover a wide range of attendances including short formal enquiries to longer attendances that will include the taking of detailed instructions that may have otherwise required a face to face physical meeting.
Where it is unclear how long a telephone call lasted or there is insufficient narrative to support a charge, we can only allow a charge at the lowest rate.
Where your call exceeds 10 minutes this will be assessed as a meeting.
You should refer to the separate Legal Aid Guidance available in such cases.
All charges should be supported with a narrative detailing:
Charges based on standard units or times (for example, five or six minute units) are not allowed and are contrary to the basis of the fees set out in the Table of Fees.
Where it appears that your account has been charged on this basis we may allow a charge at the formal rate and request more information in support of the charge.
No charge will be allowed for a telephone call where:
We can allow a charge for a telephone call where you leave a message on an answering machine or with someone other than the intended recipient of the call but, in the process:
For example, the effect of the message may be to hasten receipt of an overdue report from a professional or expert witness.
We will not allow an unanswered telephone call leaving a message for your client or other person to contact you.
You will be paid for the substantive telephone call as and when it takes place.
This should be clearly explained in the supporting narrative.