Legal aid

Years of underinvestment have brought the justice system to its knees. Victims, defendants and witnesses are suffering the consequences while hardworking solicitors are forced out of the sector. Our fight for properly funded legal aid and access to justice is part of our advocacy work on the issues you’ve told us matter most.

Nick Emmerson standing in front of the Royal Courts of Justice, London on a bright sunny day. Nick is a white man with dark hair, wearing a blue suit and tie.
Nick Emmerson standing in front of the Royal Courts of Justice, London on a bright sunny day. Nick is a white man with dark hair, wearing a blue suit and tie.

Taking the government to court on criminal legal aid funding

We're taking our fight for fair funding to the High Court. Find out more and support our campaign.

Learn about our fight for fair funding

News and articles

View All

Further cuts to compound justice crisis

We warn that further budget cuts will severely impact the already crisis-hit justice system.

27 Nov 2023

"My neurodivergence is a benefit in my role"

Meet Arwen Makin, senior crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and co-chair of the Law Society’s Disabled Solicitors Network. Learn how Arwen’s autism and ADHD diagnosis helped shape her career.

21 Nov 2023

Supreme Court ruling end of the line for Rwanda policy

The Supreme Court has ruled the government’s policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.

15 Nov 2023

Windrush’s 75th anniversary: “my client’s stories about the scandal must be heard while…

How our country reckons with our complicated history is a discussion increasingly had in the mainstream. To mark Black History Month, Dr Connie N Maina Sozi shares the human impact of the Windrush scandal on her clients, and why she thinks an inquiry is essential.

01 Nov 2023

View All

All resources

Expand all

Map showing areas of England and Wales with 6 of fewer housing legal aid providers (March 2023) - most of the map is red or orange to show a shortage or desert

Legal aid deserts

Our updated heatmaps show how funding cuts have left large areas of England and Wales without access to advice.

Explore the maps
Map showing areas of England and Wales with 6 of fewer housing legal aid providers (March 2023) - most of the map is red or orange to show a shortage or desert

The Law Society is the independent professional body for solicitors. Our vision is to promote, protect and support solicitors, the rule of law and justice in England and Wales.

Maximise your membership

My LS gives you access to the latest news, events, books and resources to help you excel within your practice.

Find out more