Early instruction improves report quality and tribunal acceptance. Identify the human rights issue: violation type, Article 3 risk, or treaty standard requiring expert analysis. Determine whether a human rights framework expert, supplementary specialist, or both are needed.
The letter of instruction should follow Adam Pipe October 2025 guidance: identify proceedings, funding, specific questions, appellant profile, documents provided, and deadline. Provide witness statements, Home Office decision, CPIN, medical reports, and relevant policy documentation.
Legal Aid practitioners should obtain prior authority for expert fees. Standard human rights expert reports are compatible with LAA rates. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for standard reports; urgent instructions may be accommodated.
Practice Direction 2024 limits expert reports to 20 pages unless permission is granted. Strategic instruction focusing on specific human rights questions improves report quality within page limits. Written questions and oral evidence may follow report service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents should solicitors provide to a human rights expert?
Witness statements, Home Office decision and reasons, CPIN, medical reports, relevant policy documentation, previous expert reports, and tribunal directions. A clear letter of instruction identifying specific questions is essential.
Are human rights expert reports Legal Aid compatible?
Yes. Human rights expert reports are routinely funded under Legal Aid for asylum and human rights appeals. Prior authority should be obtained for expert fees in accordance with LAA guidance.