Independent Country ExpertUK
UK only. UK immigration & asylum tribunals only — for solicitors and Legal Aid practitioners in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

How to Instruct an Independent Country Expert

Seven steps for UK solicitors instructing country expert witnesses in asylum and immigration proceedings.

  1. 1

    Identify Jurisdiction and Profile

    Determine the appellant's country of origin and specific asylum profile. This determines which network specialist to route the instruction to and which CPINs are relevant.

  2. 2

    Legal Aid or Privately Funded?

    Confirm funding status. Legal Aid cases require prior authority from the LAA before instruction. Privately funded cases follow agreed fee schedules.

  3. 3

    Apply for LAA Prior Authority (if Legal Aid)

    Apply with expert CV, proposed scope, estimated hours, and fee within LAA rates. Do not instruct before authority is granted.

  4. 4

    Submit Instruction Request

    Use our contact form specifying country/jurisdiction, expertise needed, case type, and funding. We route to the appropriate network specialist within one business day.

  5. 5

    Letter of Instruction

    Provide a detailed letter specifying the expert's duty to the tribunal, questions to address, assumed facts (clearly distinguished), hearing date, and relevant CPINs. Comply with Practice Direction 2024 requirements.

  6. 6

    Provide All Relevant Materials

    Include screening record, asylum interview, refusal letter, witness statement, previous expert reports, and relevant CPINs. Do not withhold adverse material.

  7. 7

    Report Exchange and Oral Evidence

    Confirm tribunal exchange deadlines. Prepare the expert for oral evidence and cross-examination if directed. Ensure consistency between written and oral testimony.

Instruct an Expert

Contact Us — UK Tribunals Only

Submit your case details for confidential routing to the right jurisdiction-specific expert. UK immigration and asylum tribunals only. Response within one business day. Legal Aid compatible.