Letter of Instruction
The letter of instruction should set out the expert's duty to the tribunal, the specific questions to be addressed, the appellant's claimed clan and region of origin, and the issues in dispute. Identify whether MOJ, Article 15(c), or regional analysis applies. Provide the Home Office refusal letter, witness statement, and any relevant country guidance decisions.
Documents Needed
Provide: the appellant's witness statement; Home Office refusal letter and reasons; any previous expert reports; country guidance decisions (MOJ, OA, AMM); relevant CPINs; and any supporting documentary evidence on clan identity, Al-Shabaab targeting, or FGM risk.
Legal Aid and Tribunal Requirements
Legal Aid cases require prior approval before expert work begins. In Scotland, the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) administers civil legal aid for asylum tribunal work; Scottish solicitors must obtain SLAB prior approval of reasonable expert fees, including the expert's CV, scope, and fee estimate. In England and Wales, the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) prior authority process applies. Reports must comply with CPR Part 35 and Immigration Tribunal Practice Direction paragraph 10. Allow 14 days for standard reports and 7 days for urgent instructions. Confirm hearing dates (including Glasgow and other UK hearing centres) and whether oral evidence is required.
Scottish Legal Aid (SLAB): What Solicitors Should Provide
Scottish solicitors instructing Somalia country experts should confirm SLAB funding before work starts. Typical prior approval submissions include: the expert's qualifications and CV; a clear scope of work linked to the appellant's profile (clan minority, Al-Shabaab, FGM, MOJ return, etc.); estimated hours and fee; tribunal hearing date and venue; and why independent country expert evidence is necessary beyond Home Office CPIN material. SLAB assessment is separate from LAA rules in England and Wales.