URGENT SLD I TAKE A SOLICITOR TO MY DLA TRIBUNAL?

Hi Everyone,

I have my first ever tribunal on the 3rd Oct 11 and have the chance to take a Solicitor with me, but at the cost of 360 pounds.

I'm so very unsure if I really do need to take someone along with me, especially since its such a lot of money and ultimately the panel will be directing their questions at me and only I can answer them frankly and wholey?? What should I do? Sld I take the solicitor or not? Have other members felt they should have taken one along? I also need to let the solicitor know if I need his services asap (like tmrw) since its only just over a week away til tribunal....HELP! Zx

Hi Zoe

Although representation is very hard to find you would be far better off obtaining the services of a Welfare Rights Officer who specialises in benefit law rather than a solicitor, as you could be spending a lot of money for help from somebody with very little benefit/tribunal knowledge.

Bear in mind that even if you do have a rep the panel will still direct their questions to you. If you are unable to obtain representation you can still take a friend with you for support.

Good luck

Derek

Thank you so much Derek for your advice. Does anyone know of a Welfare Rights Officer in the West Yorkhshire area. I do feel very anxious (as probably everyone else does) about the impending tribunal on the 3rd Oct, I would feel much better going with someone who has knowledge of these things. Plus I soooo need to win my case so that I can get a car to fit a powered wheelchair (currently have a assissted one) that I have been assessed for. Plus with the changes to the ESA coming up next year the pressure to win feels like a weight completely surrounding me.

Thanks for everything. Plus I have to commend you on such a wonderful website! Well done.

Zoe

Try Community Legal Advice.

OK. after some research and a few phone calls I was directed to a service called the Community Legal Advice Helpline 0845 345 4 345. They were amazing and were able to give me contact details of Welfare Rights firms in my area. After discussions with them I have decided to go it alone with my husband and all our evidence because ulitmately its is to me that they will direct their questions; and hopefully with your wonderful information I shall win my case.

Thank you sooo much for pointing me in the right direction and in helping organise my thoughts, which in turn is reducing my stress.

You are super stars!
Zoe