theres no reason to suggest why you have to hire a solicitor before or after a refusal or appeal.
Although i suggest from experience that you do gain some legal advice before submitting the appeal forms to AIT.
sometimes an appeal is pointless and you could be waiting at least 26weeks for nothing in the end and an adviser would be able to judge the pros an cons of appealing.
The solicitor or lawyer can just give you some guidance in the
right direction if not as a representitive as can immigration advisors at your nearest citizens advice bureaux or welfare rights + it might be worth contacting your facial EQUALITY COUNCIL for further advice on the appeal process and the stuff you need to have a strong case! ( all of the above do not normally require a fee for advising,although a small donation is greatly appreciated.obviously the majority of solicitors + immigration lawyers do incur a fee!)
HOPEFULLY IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT IN THE END.
good luck to you and hope all goes well. to find an adviser go to
www.oisc.gov.uk
