Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP

Legal support for people identified as potential victims of trafficking or modern slavery.

Modern Slavery legal aid covers people identified or being assessed as potential victims of trafficking or modern slavery, including referral through the National Referral Mechanism, related immigration matters, and damages claims arising from their exploitation. The contract was significantly expanded after the Modern Slavery Act 2015, with its own dedicated allocation. Specialist providers handle most cases.

Civil claims against councils, the NHS, the police, or other public bodies for wrongful acts.

Claims Against Public Authorities covers civil compensation claims where a public body, such as a local council, the NHS, the police, or central government, has caused harm through misconduct, negligence, or breach of a duty. Examples include unlawful detention, social services failings, school exclusion errors, and serious data breaches by public bodies. Legal aid for these claims is means and merits tested.

Compensation claims for harm caused by medical treatment.

Clinical Negligence covers compensation claims for harm caused by medical treatment that fell below a reasonable standard, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, and medication mistakes, in either the NHS or private practice. Legal aid for clinical negligence is now highly restricted and mainly covers severe brain injury caused at or around birth. Most other clinical negligence cases are handled by no-win-no-fee solicitors outside the legal aid system.