need help!! nearing ILR

dear friends/moderator,

I am nearing ILR based on 10 years in sept 2006,
I came to UK in september 1996 on a visit visa and subsequently stayed on as an NHS doctor after passing plab, MRCP etc and i am currently on HSMP visa taken in February of this year. I am in active employment as a specialist registrar (training to be a consultant) with contract until 2008.
I live in the manchester area.

Could someone guide me regarding good immigration lawyers / tips/essential documents on how to go about applying for ILR ?
Finally can somebody tell me if i can access my data held by Homeoffice under data protection act and how to go about acquiring it

yours truly
[Name deleted by Moderator (John) ; no need to give out that sort of detail on the internet]

Why do you think you need "good immigration lawyers"? The fact is that assuming you have good proof of being "legal" at every point in time while you have been in the UK during the (nearly) 10 year period, there really is no need to seek professional help. You have your passport(s) covering the whole period?

Have you had a look at the form SET(O)? If not download a copy of it by clicking here. Study its requirements and the need for documentary evidence to be supplied.

Nearly 10 years? Yes, as the form makes clear, the application can be made 28 days before the expiry of the 10 year period.