Resources for Solicitors

Forms, Guides & Practical Information

Everything you need to instruct an expert witness under Legal Aid or privately. Download the required forms and follow our step-by-step guide.

Downloadable Forms Legal Aid Process Logistics & Locations

Required Forms

Downloadable Forms

The two key forms required for Legal Aid expert witness instructions. Download, complete, and submit as part of the process outlined below.

EW1 Form

Application for Sanction for an Expert Witness

The solicitor completes this form to apply to the Legal Aid Board for sanction to engage an expert witness. Our quotation should be attached to this application. This is used at Step 2 of the Legal Aid process below.

Download EW1 Form

LA5 Form

Legal Aid Claim for Expert Witness

This is the final claim form signed by the solicitor and the psychologist after the report is delivered. It triggers the Department of Justice to issue direct payment. This is used at Step 5 of the Legal Aid process below.

Download LA5 Form

For Solicitors

Legal Aid Process: Step by Step

Here is what needs to happen before we get your court-ready report. This guide covers the administrative and funding workflow from your first enquiry through to payment by the Department of Justice.

Request a Quotation

Send us a case summary and the report type needed. We provide a quote same day, assuming we have capacity.

Brief case summary required
Include the report type needed
No formal instruction needed at this stage
Quote provided same day
Legal Aid & private fee structures available

Apply for Sanction (EW1 Form)

Use our quotation to submit your EW1 Form (Application for Sanction for an Expert Witness) to the Legal Aid Board. Processing typically takes 48 hours to 1 week — we use that time to provisionally clear a slot with our lead psychologist.

Download EW1 Form

Download the EW1 Form from this page
Attach our quotation to your application
Submit to the Legal Aid Board
We provisionally reserve an assessment slot during processing

Instruction & SEW Number

Once you receive your SEW Number (Sanction for Expert Witness) from the DOJ, send it to us along with the Book of Evidence and your Letter of Instruction. We will then begin the assessment process.

SEW Number confirms DOJ approval and guarantees payment
Provide the Book of Evidence
Include your Letter of Instruction with specific questions
Assessment is scheduled immediately upon receipt

Clinical Assessment & Delivery

We handle all logistics from here — including booking professional prison visits, arranging video prison links, or scheduling community clinic appointments. Whether your client is on bail or in custody, we manage the entire process and provide regular updates on progress.

Typically 2 x 2-hour assessment sessions (clinical interview & psychometric testing)
Collateral interviews with relevant third parties where required
Prison visits booked directly by our team
Video prison links arranged where appropriate
Community clinic appointments for defendants on bail
Regular progress updates provided to you

Completion & Direct Payment (LA5 Form)

Once the psychologist completes the evaluation, the 10–20 page report is sent back to you along with the LA5 Claim Form (Legal Aid Claim for Expert Witness). Once you sign and return it to us, we handle the submission to the Department of Justice to trigger payment.

Download LA5 Form

Final report delivered securely
LA5 Form provided with the report
Send LA5 form to DOJ for payment to be processed

Legal Aid Board — EW1 Submissions: Submit your completed EW1 Form along with the expert's quotation to the Legal Aid Board. Contact the Legal Aid Board directly for the current submission email address and any updated guidance.

Logistics Handled

We Manage All Assessment Logistics

Whether your client is on bail or in custody, our team handles the entire scheduling and logistics process — minimising your administrative burden.

Prison Visits

We book professional prison visits directly with prison authorities, including scheduling around court dates, legal visits, and other commitments. Our psychologists attend in person for comprehensive face-to-face assessments.

Video Prison Links

Where appropriate, we arrange secure video links with prison facilities for assessments that can be conducted remotely. We manage all technical coordination and scheduling with the prison, so you don't have to.

Bail & Community Assessments

Defendants on bail are seen at our community clinic locations. We handle all appointment scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups to ensure assessments proceed without delay.

What We Handle

Whether your client is in custody or on bail, our team manages all logistics so you can focus on your case:

Prison visit scheduling
Video prison link coordination
Community clinic appointment booking
Organising times for defendants & psychologists
Proactive progress updates to solicitor
Rescheduling if needed

Discuss Your Case

Ready to Instruct an Expert?

Request a Quotation View Our Process