Is it necessary to hire a solicitor?

[miss_maryland]

I've made myself pretty well versed in the legal jargon they're using, but will my case be taken more seriously if I hire a solicitor? I've lived in the UK 5 years now and I'm from the US so there won't be any language-based communication problems...

My PSW application was rejected (maintenance) and I've got sufficient evidence to prove I had/have the money. My appeal is April 30th.

Is there anyone here who knows of someone who was successful in their appeal without using a solicitor? Is it advisable to hire one? If so, how much does it cost? Does the judge take you less seriously if you don't have one?

[yasa]

If u r confident enough then u r more than welcome to represent yourself. there were some guys in past who got approved without a lawyer and there are some who got refused although accompained by a proper lawyer.

Prepare yourself properly and put every effort in your case will definitely win it.

[jack199]

I've made myself pretty well versed in the legal jargon they're using, but will my case be taken more seriously if I hire a solicitor? I've lived in the UK 5 years now and I'm from the US so there won't be any language-based communication problems...

My PSW application was rejected (maintenance) and I've got sufficient evidence to prove I had/have the money. My appeal is April 30th.

Is there anyone here who knows of someone who was successful in their appeal without using a solicitor? Is it advisable to hire one? If so, how much does it cost? Does the judge take you less seriously if you don't have one?

No its not necessary to hire a solicitor, its entirely up to you, If you can put a strong case forward i dont see any problem with it. There are few people on this forum who did not hire any solicitor yet they have won their appeal. I would advise you to prepare yourself properly and make sure you cover all the possible avenues you can.

As long as you can show that you had £800 ALL THE TIME prior to 3 months before the application date and the balance did not drop below £800 (not even for a second), you will not have any problem AT ALL.
Keep all the orignals with you at hearing.

Like you said you dont have any language barrier so the judge might even be impressed with your American Accent and allow the appeal. Good stufff

[heman]

to be honest, you dont need a lawyer. I hired a lawyer in the beginning. But, he later asked for more money. If you think you can spend 1000-1500 pounds. then go ahead. but if you take help from this forum and the others websites and have the confidence that HO made a mistake then u dont need to. Thats what I am going to do now. I hope I am not making any mistake .

[Diokpa]

to be honest, you dont need a lawyer. I hired a lawyer in the beginning. But, he later asked for more money. If you think you can spend 1000-1500 pounds. then go ahead. but if you take help from this forum and the others websites and have the confidence that HO made a mistake then u dont need to. Thats what I am going to do now. I hope I am not making any mistake .

Very True Heman, you would not need a lawyer if your refusal was based on funds like you said and it was a mistake on the side of the HO. Some people use lawyers just for rest of mind but then you end up spending more than you bargained for. Just present your evidence and make sure you've covered all angles, HO will probably not even show up on the day. Good Luck.