Guidance

Standard civil contract 2024

The 2024 standard civil contract governs the provision of face-to-face legal aid services in all civil categories.

From:
Legal Aid Agency
Published
13 September 2023
Last updated
927 FebruaryDecember 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Table of amendments to the 2024 standard civil contract (20 December 2024)

PDF, 188 KB, 14 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract standard terms

PDF, 7891.15 KBMB, 111 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract specification (general provisions 1-6)

PDF, 955826 KB, 81 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules family (section 7)

PDF, 487759 KB, 45 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules immigration and asylum & IRCs (section 8) - DecemberAugust 20232024

PDF, 363460 KB, 4344 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules mental health (section 9)

PDF, 252559 KB, 24 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules housing and debt (Section 10)

PDF, 194511 KB, 16 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Draft 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Housing and Debt (Section 10) (Effective from 27 January 2025).

PDF, 181 KB, 17 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules community care (section 11)

PDF, 125291 KB, 5 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules community care (section 11) (effective from 30 December 2024)

PDF, 118 KB, 5 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules welfare benefits (section 12)

PDF, 134406 KB, 8 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules welfare benefits (section 12) (effective from 30 December 2024)

PDF, 129 KB, 8 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules claims against public authorities (section 13)

PDF, 149390 KB, 7 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules claims against public authorities (section 13) (effective from 30 December 2024)

PDF, 139 KB, 7 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules public law (section 14)

PDF, 99.2197 KB, 4 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules public law (section 14) (effective from 30 December 2024)

PDF, 92.6 KB, 4 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules clinical negligence (section 15)

PDF, 72.4192 KB, 3 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules education (section 16)

PDF, 112219 KB, 8 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules discrimination (section 17)

PDF, 112285 KB, 8 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules discrimination (section 17) (effective from the 30 December 2024)

PDF, 98.9 KB, 8 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category specific rules family mediation (section 18)

PDF, 415780 KB, 49 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract DAPO pilot scheme specification (section 19)

PDF, 163 KB, 13 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract schedule

PDF, 268916 KB, 76 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract family mediation schedule

PDF, 123532 KB, 2 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract - contract for signature

PDF, 10696.6 KB, 5 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract category definitions (November 2024)

PDF, 370310 KB, 19 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - education

MS Word Document, 46.6 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - discrimination

MS Word Document, 46.1 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - family

MS Word Document, 51.1 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - immigration and asylum

MS Word Document, 47.4 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - mental health (route 1)

MS Word Document, 102 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - mental health (route 2)

MS Word Document, 106 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - housing and debt

MS Word Document, 47.5 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Self-declaration form - community care

MS Word Document, 48.5 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - welfare benefits

MS Word Document, 46.2 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - claims against public authorities

MS Word Document, 125 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration-form - claims against public authorities - abuse in care only

MS Word Document, 48.2 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration-form - public law

MS Word Document, 45.8 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - clinical negligence

MS Word Document, 49 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Supervisor self-declaration form - family mediation

MS Word Document, 46.5 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Guidance on completing supervisor declaration forms (December 2024)

PDF, 182183 KB, 6 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 Standard civil contract - useful information for providers (September 2024)

PDF, 280 KB, 10 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

2024 standard civil contract useful information for new providers (immigration)

PDF, 658 KB, 27 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Mental health guidance for contract management (September 2024)

PDF, 297 KB, 20 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Provider data security guidance - September 2023

PDF, 453 KB, 37 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Provider data security requirements - September 2023

PDF, 288 KB, 16 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email LAAReasonableAdjustmentRequests@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The 2024 civil contract consists of the:

  • Standard terms
  • Specification (General Provisions & Category Specific Rules)
  • Schedule
  • Contract for Signature
  • Category Definitions 2024

Standard terms

The standard terms govern the commercial relationship between the Legal Aid Agency and providers.

  • 2024 standard civil contract standard terms

Specification

The specification sets out the rules governing the provision of civil contract work.

The specification is divided into provisions of General Provisions (sections 1 to 6) and Category Specific Rules relating to the different categories of civil law.

The procedures for controlled and licensed work and rates for licensed work can be found in legal aid legislation and are referred to in this Specification (General Provisions sections 1-6).

  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Specification (General Provisions 1-6)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Family (Section 7)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Immigration and Asylum & IRCs (Section 8)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Mental Health (Section 9)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Housing and Debt (Section 10)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Community Care (Section 11)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Welfare Benefits (Section 12)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Claims Against Public Authorities (Section 13)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Public Law (Section 14)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Clinical Negligence (Section 15)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Education (Section 16)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Discrimination (Section 17)
  • 2024 Standard Civil Contract Category Specific Rules Family Mediation (Section 18)

Draft sample schedule

This sets out provisions specific to individual providers. Use the sample schedule for illustration as schedules vary between providers.

  • 2024 standard civil contract schedule
  • 2024 civil contract family mediation schedule

Draft sample contract for signature

The contract for signature gives effect to the 2018 contract as a whole. This is sample contract for signature for illustration.

  • 2024 standard civil contract - contract for signature

Category definitions 2024

This sets out the legal definitions of each category of law covered by the draft 2024 standard civil contract.

  • 2024 Standard civil contract category definitions

Supervisor-self declaration forms and guidance

These documents set out the requirements that supervisors must satisfy

  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Education
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Discrimination
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Family
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Immigration and Asylum Supervisor Self-Declaration
  • Supervisor Self- Declaration Form- Mental Health (Route 1)
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Mental Health (Route 2)
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Housing and Debt
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Community Care
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Welfare Benefits
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Claims Against Public Authorities
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Claims Against Public Authorities- Abuse in Care only
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Public Law
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Clinical Negligence
  • Supervisor Self-Declaration Form- Family Mediation

Legal Aid Agency data security requirements and guidance

These documents comprise the basic requirements that providers must meet to maintain the security of data processed on behalf of or with LAA.

  • Provider data security guidance - September 2023
  • Provider data security requirements - September 2023

Further documents

You can also use the following guidance and documents:

  • Proforma indemnity - limited company
  • Proforma indemnity - LLP
  • Proforma indemnity - partnership

Related content

Updates to this page

Published 13 September 2023
Last updated 927 FebruaryDecember 2024 + show all updates

  1. Attached documents have been updated to reflect 'effective from' date.

  2. General Specification Document updated to show corrected information regarding the Welfare Benefits presence requirements

  4. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page