Getting free legal advice
If you do not qualify for legal aid, a solicitor may be able to take on your case as part of their pro bono work.
Pro bono work is free legal help for people who:
- cannot afford to pay for legal services and
- do not qualify for legal aid
Solicitors work pro bono to help make sure everyone has access to justice when they need it.
Pro bono work is voluntary and there’s no obligation to do it, although many solicitors choose to.
Finding a pro bono lawyer
LawWorks
LawWorks is a charity which connects lawyers with people who cannot get legal aid. It can provide free advice on issues such as:
- debt
- welfare rights
- housing matters
- employment law
- consumer disputes
You’ll need to make an appointment to see a lawyer at one of LawWorks’ legal advice clinics.
Legal costs if you lose your case
You might have to pay legal costs if you lose your case and the other party has been given professional legal help.
You should discuss what costs you might have to pay with your lawyer before they start work on your case.
Other sources of free legal help
Support Through Court
Support Through Court is a charity which can help you if you have to go to court without a lawyer. It can:
- explain how the court works
- help you with forms and any documents you might need in court
- help you plan what you want to say in court
- provide someone to go to court with you for support
- discuss settling issues without going to court
- provide details of other specialist advice agencies
Find your nearest Support Through Court office
AdviceNow
AdviceNow is an online advice resource run by the charity Law for Life: the Foundation for Public Legal Education.
It has practical information about your rights and the law in England and Wales on subjects such as:
- going to court
- employment
- consumer affairs
- health and social care
- crime and police
- housing and homelessnessv
Citizens Advice
Your local Citizens Advice can provide advice on a wide range of issues.
