Legal Aid

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) runs the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. The LAA works in partnership with solicitors and not-for-profit organisations to provide information, advice and legal representation to people in need.

They also make sure that people get the information, advice and legal help they need to deal with a wide range of problems.

Eligibility

Legal aid is typically offered to those in difficult financial circumstances who may not otherwise be able to afford legal advice or representation, but can be given in certain cases regardless of financial situation. Read more about the scheme’s eligibility here.

You can also receive legal aid in exceptional circumstances, for example if your human rights are at risk.

Civil Cases

For any general enquiries regarding civil matters, you can contact the LAA via:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 200 2020

If you’re eligible for legal aid, you can also get free and confidential advice from the CLA (Civil Legal Advice) for problems including:

  • Debt, if your home is at risk
  • Housing, if you’re homeless or at risk of being evicted
  • Domestic abuse
  • Separating from an abusive partner, when you’re making arrangements for children or sorting out money and property
  • A child being taken into care
  • Special education needs
  • Discrimination
  • Some child abduction cases

You can contact the CLA by calling 0345 345 4345.

Criminal Cases

A police custody officer will help you get legal aid if you’ve been arrested and held at a police station. You’ll be offered free advice:

  • by telephone (if the offence is less serious)
  • from the police station’s duty solicitor
  • from your own legal adviser

If you’re charged or go to court

A solicitor will check if you qualify for legal aid if you’re charged with a crime or have to go to court. You can then:

  • get advice from the same organisation that helped you at the police station
  • ask to speak to the court duty solicitor
  • find your own criminal legal aid solicitor

How to Claim

For civil cases, you can check if you’re eligible for legal aid here. You’ll only get guidance on whether or not you can get legal aid – you will not get a final decision until you speak to an adviser.

To find a legal advisor or family law mediator who has a Legal Aid contract in England and Wales, click here.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, ask your solicitor or barrister if you’re able to get criminal legal aid.

In both civil and criminal cases, your legal adviser or family mediator will apply for legal aid on your behalf. If you qualify, the government will pay their costs directly.

Domestic Abuse or Violence

The LAA also offers legal aid to victims of domestic abuse who cannot afford their legal proceedings.

You can find more information about this topic, including how to obtain evidence, here.