Article 24 Dispute procedure in respect of initial assessment in relation to an award for legal representation

(1)

Where–

(a)

notification has been given by the applicant under rule 21(3); and

(b)

it relates to an application for an award for amounts which have been incurred in respect of legal representation,

the solicitor to the inquiry must send the applicant a response in accordance with paragraph (2).

(2)

That response must–

(a)

be in writing; and

(b)

set out details of the points of dispute within 21 days of receipt of the notification.

(3)

Those details must–

(a)

identify each item to which the solicitor to the inquiry objects;

(b)

state the nature of the objection for each item; and

(c)

propose an alternative amount to be allowed for each item in respect of which a reduction is sought.

(4)

The applicant must provide a reply in accordance with paragraph (5).

(5)

That reply must be–

(a)

in writing; and

(b)

sent to the solicitor to the inquiry within 21 days of the response having been sent to the applicant.

(6)

The solicitor to the inquiry and the applicant may agree to extend the deadlines set out in paragraphs (2)(b) and (5)(b).