iLaw GradFees and Advocate FAQs

  • What is the log in for iLaw GradFees and iLaw Advocate?

    The default log in and password for iLaw GradFees is gf and gf1. If you change the default log in and password you must remember what you have changed it to.

  • How do I backup the database for GradFees or iLaw Advocate?

    Follow the backup guides:

    iLaw GradFees Back Up Routine  iLaw GradFees Back Up Routine
    iLaw GradFees Back Up Routine  iLaw Advocate Back Up Routine

  • Why is iLaw Advocate or iLaw GradFees not installing on my new PC?

    If your PC or Laptop has Windows Vista or Windows 7 opertaing systems installed then you will need to follow our guide for installing SQL Server 2008 before installing GradFees or iLaw Advocate.

    iLaw GradFees Back Up Routine  Installing Gradfees and Advocate on Windows 7

  • Why is the Vat is not being calculated on my claim?

    Make sure you have a set of current Vat Rates entered in setup. Make sure the Tax Point Date is entered in section 1. This determines how which Vat rate will apply.

  • It doesn't look like the rates in iLaw GradFees are the reduced rates?

    You will need iLaw GradFees 6 (iLaw Advocate 7) or higher to access the second reduced rates for matters with a representation order on or after 1 April 2011. Make sure that you have entered a representation order date in section 1.

  • Will iLaw GradFees know whether to print the new AF1 form or the 5144F?

    The user can determine which form is printed if you have iLaw GradFees Version 5 or Version 6. When you click on Print Claim, select from the dialogue box which form is applicable to the claim depending upon the date of the representation order and the Court where the case was heard. GradFees V6 wil produce the current Version 2 of the AF1.

  • What should I enter for the Advocates Unique ID?

    If you are employed by a firm then enter the Legal Aid Contract number as the Advocates Unique ID.

  • How do I claim extra Conferences and Views?

    Revision to Conferences and Views

    GradFees 8 and iLaw Advocate 8 have been revised to indicate the Conferences and Views included in the basic fee and those to be claimed in addition depending upon the length of trial. The basic fee includes 3 conferences/site visits. The 'Length of Trial' box in 'Section 2' must show 1 or more for you to be able to enter the dates and time spent for each conference or view attended. The conferences and views provided for in the basic fee will not be included in the cost total calculated.

    If a trial or cracked trial lasts no longer than 21 days then no extra conferences can be claimed (as shown).


    If the trial/cracked trial lasts between 21 and 25 days 1 extra conference is claimable (also shown). The fee payable will be dependant upon the time spent and GradFees will apply the 2 hour capping.


    If the trial/cracked trial lasts between 26 and 35 days then 2 extra conferences can be claimed.

    If the trial/cracked trial lasts more than 36 days then 3 extra conferences can be claimed.

  • I cannot find the offence in the dropdown list?

    The offences shown for selection in iLaw GradFees and iLaw Advocate are provided by the AGFS guidance. Annex 2 has a list of offences which are stored in GradFees and the acts to which they are contrary. If you cannot find the offence you are billing for in the software check the offence on the representation order and the act it is contrary to. Then look for a corresponding offence and act in Annex 2 so that an offence can be selected with a relative claim code.

    AGFS Alphabetical List of Offences.pdf  Annex 2 Alphabetical List of Offences.pdf

  • How do I make a claim for a Restriction Order under the Mental Health Act 1963?

    The AGFS Guidance 3 February 2011 states that in paragraph B23 (3(f)) "Any case in which a Restriction Order is made under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 falls within Class A, regardless of the offence". You can select any Class A offence but change the offence description on the printed AF1.

  • How do I claim a case that discontinued at the PCMH?

    Section B17 (18) states "If the Crown discontinues a case at the PDH/PCMH then the case is treated as a guilty plea. If the case is discontinued before the prosecution papers are served, 50% of the basic fee for a guilty plea is payable..."

    When Guilty Plea is selected in GradFees, you will have radio button options to determine whether the case discontinued before prosecution papers were served.

  • Download the PCMH form for 2 - 5 Defendants

    AGFS Alphabetical List of Offences.pdf  PCMH form for 2 - 5 Defendants

  • Claiming Litigators 'Elected Case not proceeded'

    There is a new fee for LGFS Cracked Trial or Guilty Plea (elected either way cases) £362 per proceedings. To claim this fee make sure the ‘Date of the Representation Order’ field in ‘Section 1’ is set to a date on or after 3 October 2011, then select ‘Elected case not proceeded (ENP)’ from the ‘Trial Type’ dropdown in Section 2.

    With this fee introduction the Committal Hearing fee is removed and the Category 1 Lower Standard fee paid for guilty pleas in the Magistrates’ Courts is enhanced by 23% and the Higher Standard fee by 8.3% (please see the Magistrates’ Court Category 1 Fee changes section). The LAC1 form is to be completed and signed at the Committal Hearing for all Either Way Cases directed to the Crown Court by the magistrates. It should then be submitted to the LSC along with the LF1.