Middlesex Law Chambers, an immigration law firm, has had its government contract for immigration legal aid terminated amid concerns regarding its performance, information obtained by The Guardian reveals. The decision affects thousands of asylum seekers previously represented by the firm and comes as the government reports an increasing number of refused asylum cases, potentially complicating efforts for individuals to secure new legal representation.
The firm reportedly generated £1.7 million in legal aid income during the last year for its immigration work, a significant increase from £43,000 recorded in 2021. This substantial growth in publicly funded services was managed by a team that included only five solicitors specifically dedicated to representing asylum seekers.
According to listings on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website, Middlesex Law Chambers operates 15 offices across the country. Many of these offices are located in areas frequently cited as undersupplied with legal aid services, including Peterborough, Plymouth, and Crawley. However, the firm’s staffing for specific legal areas appears limited; it employs one solicitor at its Southall office for private immigration matters, one solicitor at a Canary Wharf office in East London for family law, and a small team handling criminal defence work at its Uxbridge office. Legal aid contracts for these other areas of practice remain unaffected by the termination.
A former client of the firm, Rami, commented on the situation, stating, “It’s good that the government has stepped in and closed this firm.” However, he also underscored the challenges faced by many, adding, “But it is very difficult to find a legal aid lawyer and many people don’t speak English so cannot know which is a good law firm and which is not.”
A spokesperson for the Legal Aid Agency confirmed the termination, stating, “Middlesex Law Chambers’ immigration legal aid contract has been terminated.” The spokesperson further noted, “Firms that hold legal aid contracts are subject to annual reviews,” indicating the regulatory oversight process for legal aid providers.
Source: www.theguardian.com