New Point of Principle

With thanks to LAPG‘s very useful update emails, this is the text of a new Point of Principle which has been decided by the Costs Appeal Committee:

If a third party signs a Legal Help form at the direction of the client (the client being unable so to do in person for reasons of health or disability), either in his own name or that of the client, that does not invalidate the form as long as there is sufficient evidence on the file (such as an attendance note) to demonstrate that the form was properly executed  by that third party with the client’s approval

It is surprising that this got as far as a PoP, given that this situation is very clearly allowed for (see for example Funding Code Procedures B3). But it is useful to have it re-stated and to be reminded that evidence of the client’s authorisation is required.