A small independent Telford family law firm has won a Legal Aid contract which could be worth up to £500,000 over the next 12 months.
Picasso Legal is now able to take on clients who qualify for legal aid in family matters, meaning they can assist where disputes over finances or children have occurred following a relationship breakdown.
Lisa Pickering, director of Picasso Legal said the contract win from the Legal Aid Agency was a huge boost to the small firm based within Meeting Point House in Telford town centre.
Ms Pickering launched her firm in 2014 specialising in family law but her services have expanded along with her team which also helps organisations which support victims of domestic abuse.
Ms Pickering launched her business with the aim of offering affordable legal advice at a time when families may already be feeling the financial strain of a break-up.
The launch came a year after changes in the law which affected who was eligible for legal aid - which is normally given in cases of domestic violence or where a child is at risk of abuse.
Ms Pickering offers free 30-minute consultations and is also a Resolution advanced specialist, with particular specialisms in domestic abuse and issues regarding children.
She said: “This is fantastic news for Picasso Legal and the team. The next 21 months will be very busy but also very exciting. By offering the Legal Aid service and the support of domestic abuse victims it could potentially increase the turnover of the business by £500,000 over the next 12 months."
“Picasso Legal was founded on the principle of making legal advice accessible to as many people as possible."
“Therefore we are pleased to now be able to work with clients who are eligible for legal aid."
“We strongly believe there should be no barriers to people accessing support, especially during such a tough time as a relationship break-up, so winning the contract was a priority for us.”
Ms Pickering said there was also a lack of solicitors who applied so the tender process was being repeated but due to Picasso Legal’s success in the first round they will be able to offer the service straight away.
“The tendering process is now being repeated by the Legal Aid Agency as there were not enough solicitors who applied but we entered the first round of the process so we’re one of the few new solicitors offering this service.
“We have also put in place arrangements to work with organisations who support domestic abuse victims, this means more people will be made aware they can access our legal assistance at no cost to themselves,” she added.
For more information, email lisa@picassolegal.co.uk or call 01952 303004.
