Paying for legal services

Legal aid

The Legal Services Commission is responsible for the Community Legal Service, which funds non-criminal (civil) cases, and the Criminal Defence Service, which funds advice and representation for people facing criminal charges.

These funded services are only available from solicitors or advice agencies who are contracted with the Legal Services Commission. This means they have been checked to make sure they meet certain standards and provide good service.

How do I qualify for legal aid?

For civil matters, you may qualify for free legal advice and assistance if you meet certain financial eligibility criteria, and if your case is of a type covered by the legal aid scheme. If you do not meet these criteria you may be asked to pay a contribution towards your legal advice.

In criminal matters, legal advice and representation at the police station is free to everyone. In the magistrates court advice and representation is free if the case is judged to be serious; other assistance is means tested. You may be asked to pay a contribution to your legal advice cost if your case progresses to the Crown Court.

For more information on the legal aid scheme and on how to apply for legal aid, visit the Legal Services Commission site, or learn more on the Law Society's views and policies about legal aid by choosing one of the legal aid links from the areas of law page.