Information Hub Information Hub Legal Aid Will a lawyer support me with my asylum application? Yes, all international protection applicants are entitled to free legal aid throughout the asylum process. However, you must make an application to the Legal Aid Board (LAB) for this. Please do this as soon as possible after applying for asylum. The written information and video below (available in Arabic language here) gives an overview of how to apply for legal aid, as well as the the legal services your representative should offer in support of your application. How do I apply for Legal Aid? The LAB have three offices across the country: in Dublin, Cork and Galway. You can apply for legal aid in person at your local LAB office or, download the application form online , complete it by hand and send it to them by post or email. For more details please check out the Legal Aid Board's website How long will it take for the LAB to allocate me a lawyer? The waiting time varies but you can generally expect to wait between 3 and 4 weeks. How do I contact the LAB to check on my application? You can send them an email, call them or attend your local office in person. You can find contact details for the LAB offices here Make sure to include your name and person ID number in all correspondence. What support should I expect from my lawyer? Your lawyer should : Advise you on your case and any supporting documents you should submit Support you to prepare for your IPO interview (they do not usually accompany you to the interview) Make written submissions to the IPO about your claim, where necessary Represent you if you have to appeal a decision. This includes writing submissions and attending the oral hearing in the Tribunal with you. Advise you and write submissions for your permission to remain application. Where it is relevant, your solicitor will also represent you in relation to the Dublin III Procedure, or if your application is inadmissible. Your lawyer may assist you if you have to appeal a decision that relates to your reception conditions. (Reception Conditions includes your accommodation and your right to work among other things) We recommend communicating with your lawyer in writing where possible. Please be patient and allow your lawyer reasonable time to respond to your queries. If you are experiencing delays in the asylum process, please understand that this is most likely due to the IPO or IPAT. Your lawyer can advocate on your behalf, however, in many cases there is nothing they can do to speed up the processing of your application. Can I change my lawyer? If you want to change your lawyer, you will have to make a request to the LAB in writing, explaining what the problem is. The LAB will investigate the issue. The LAB may or may not agree to allow you to change lawyer. Please be aware that they will also inform your lawyer of your request to change. If the LAB's decision is negative, you can make an appeal. Please be aware, changing lawyer is not easy and could take some time. For more details on changing lawyer, please read here Manage Cookie Preferences