Legal problems can be overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about costs. The good news is that the UK has a robust network of free legal help services, from government-funded legal aid to charity advice lines and pro bono lawyers. This guide covers the official authorities and trusted sources where you can get free legal assistance—including their history, what they can help with, notable cases, and your realistic chances of getting help.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Legal Aid: Government-Funded Legal Help
Website: www.gov.uk/legal-aid
Check eligibility: www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
Find a solicitor: www.gov.uk/find-a-legal-aid-adviser
What It Is
Legal aid is government funding that helps pay for legal advice, family mediation, or representation in court. It’s administered by the Legal Aid Agency, an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice.
History
Legal aid in England and Wales was established by the Legal Aid and Advice Act 1949, part of the post-war welfare state created alongside the NHS. For decades, it provided broad access to justice for those who couldn’t afford lawyers.
However, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) dramatically cut the scope of legal aid, removing it from most housing, employment, welfare benefits, clinical negligence, and private family law cases. The number of legal aid cases fell from 925,000 in 2009-10 to around 250,000 by 2019. Critics argue this created a “justice gap” where millions cannot access legal help.
What Legal Aid Still Covers
- Family cases involving domestic abuse or child protection
- Housing cases involving homelessness or risk of homelessness
- Debt cases where your home is at risk
- Immigration and asylum (most cases)
- Mental health tribunal cases
- Discrimination cases
- Community care cases
- Criminal cases (through a separate criminal legal aid scheme)
- Inquests where there’s a potential human rights breach
Notable Cases
Legal aid has funded representation in landmark cases:
- Hillsborough Inquests (2014-2016) – Legal aid funded representation for families of the 96 Liverpool fans killed, leading to verdicts of unlawful killing
- Grenfell Tower Inquiry (2018-present) – Bereaved families and survivors receive legal aid representation
- R (UNISON) v Lord Chancellor (2017) – Supreme Court struck down employment tribunal fees that denied access to justice
- Thousands of domestic violence survivors have obtained protective orders and safe divorce proceedings through legal aid
Likelihood of Getting Help
Moderate, but depends heavily on your case type. Legal aid is means-tested (based on income and savings) and merits-tested (your case must have reasonable prospects of success). You’re most likely to qualify if:
- Your disposable income is below £733 per month and savings below £8,000
- Your case falls within a covered category (domestic abuse, immigration, housing emergencies)
- You can provide evidence (e.g., domestic abuse evidence for family cases)
The biggest barrier is often finding a solicitor who still does legal aid work—many firms stopped after the 2012 cuts made it economically unviable.
Citizens Advice: The UK’s Most Trusted Free Advice Service
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Phone (England): 0800 144 8848 (free)
Phone (Wales): 0800 702 2020 (free)
Find local office: Local Citizens Advice search
What It Is
Citizens Advice is a network of independent charities offering free, confidential advice on legal, financial, and practical problems. With over 2,500 locations and thousands of trained advisers, it’s often the first place people turn for help.
History
Citizens Advice was founded on 4 September 1939—the day after Britain declared war on Germany. The government recognised that wartime would create massive disruption to people’s lives and funded advice bureaux to help civilians navigate rationing, evacuation, and family separation.
After the war, the service continued and expanded. Today, Citizens Advice helps over 2.5 million people per year through its bureaux and over 40 million through its website. During the cost-of-living crisis, demand has surged, with the organisation helping record numbers with debt, energy bills, and benefits.
What They Help With
- Benefits and tax credits (including Universal Credit appeals)
- Debt and money problems
- Employment rights and disputes
- Housing (renting, eviction, repairs, homelessness)
- Consumer rights and complaints
- Family and relationships
- Immigration (basic guidance)
- Energy bills and supplier problems
- Discrimination
Notable Achievements
- Super-complaint powers – Citizens Advice can file “super-complaints” forcing regulators to investigate systemic consumer problems. They’ve used this to tackle issues like loyalty penalties in insurance and unfair overdraft charges
- Universal Credit campaign – Their research documenting the 5-week wait for Universal Credit led to government reforms including advance payments
- Energy price cap advocacy – Citizens Advice data on energy poverty helped build the case for the energy price cap
- In 2022-23, they helped clients gain £500 million in income through benefits advice and £196 million in debts written off
Likelihood of Getting Help
Good, especially for advice. Citizens Advice has no income limits—anyone can access their services. The main challenges are:
- Phone lines can be busy; try calling right when they open
- In-person appointments may have waiting times
- They provide advice and help with forms, but generally don’t represent you in court
Their website is excellent for self-help, with step-by-step guides for common problems.
Law Centres: Free Solicitors for Your Community
Website: www.lawcentres.org.uk
Find a Law Centre: Law Centre map
What They Are
Law Centres are independent charities staffed by qualified solicitors and caseworkers who provide free legal advice and representation. Unlike Citizens Advice (which provides general advice), Law Centres can take on cases and represent you in court or tribunals.
History
The first Law Centre opened in North Kensington, London in 1970, inspired by the American “neighborhood law firm” model and the civil rights movement. The founders believed that access to legal help should be available in communities, not just in expensive city-centre law firms.
By the 1980s, there were over 60 Law Centres across the UK. However, funding cuts have reduced numbers—today there are around 40, though new centres have opened in recent years as the need has grown.
What They Help With
- Housing and homelessness (eviction defence, disrepair, possession proceedings)
- Employment disputes (unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages)
- Welfare benefits appeals (PIP, ESA, Universal Credit tribunals)
- Immigration and asylum
- Debt
- Community care
- Discrimination
Notable Cases
- R (Imam) v Croydon LBC (2023) – Successful challenge to unlawful housing decisions
- Numerous Windrush cases – Law Centres across London helped Windrush generation victims challenge wrongful deportation threats and secure compensation
- Thousands of eviction defences – Law Centres have prevented homelessness for families facing illegal evictions
- Systemic challenges – Law Centre solicitors have brought judicial reviews challenging government policies on housing, immigration, and benefits
Likelihood of Getting Help
Moderate, but excellent if they can take your case. Law Centres are under-resourced and can’t help everyone. Your chances improve if:
- Your case falls within their specialisms
- You live in their catchment area
- Your case has merit and urgency
- You contact them early, not at crisis point
Many Law Centres operate a triage system—call their advice line first to see if they can help.
Free Legal Advice Clinics
LawWorks Clinics Network: Find a clinic near you
Advocate (Pro Bono Barristers): weareadvocate.org.uk
What They Are
Free legal advice clinics are staffed by volunteer lawyers who give their time “pro bono” (for the public good). Some are run by law firms, others by universities, charities, or community organisations.
LawWorks
LawWorks is the charity that coordinates pro bono legal work in England and Wales. They operate a network of over 200 free legal advice clinics and connect people who can’t afford lawyers with solicitors willing to help for free.
History: Founded in 1997 as the Solicitors Pro Bono Group, LawWorks has grown into the leading pro bono charity. In 2022-23, their clinics helped over 20,000 people.
Advocate (Free Barristers)
Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit) connects people who can’t afford legal representation with barristers willing to work for free. Unlike clinics that offer advice, Advocate can help with actual court representation.
History: Founded in 1996, Advocate has helped over 50,000 people access free barrister representation. They accept applications from people who have exhausted other options and can’t afford to pay.
Notable Cases via Pro Bono
- Advocate barristers have represented people in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and tribunals across the country
- Pro bono lawyers helped families at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
- LawWorks clinics have helped thousands with employment disputes, housing issues, and family matters
Likelihood of Getting Help
Moderate for clinics, lower for full representation. Clinics typically offer 30-minute appointments for advice. For representation through Advocate, you’ll need to show you don’t qualify for legal aid and can’t afford to pay—they receive more applications than they can handle.
Specialist Helplines and Services
Employment: ACAS
Website: www.acas.org.uk
Phone: 0300 123 1100 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm)
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service is a government-funded body that provides free advice on workplace disputes and employment rights.
History: ACAS was established in 1975 to improve industrial relations. It became famous for mediating major disputes including the miners’ strike (1984-85) and has since shifted focus toward individual employment rights.
What they do: Free advice on all employment matters, plus mandatory “early conciliation” before you can bring an employment tribunal claim. They’ve helped resolve thousands of disputes without the need for tribunal.
Likelihood of help: High. Anyone can call for free advice, and early conciliation is a free service available to all.
Housing: Shelter
Website: www.shelter.org.uk
Phone: 0808 800 4444 (free, 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends)
History: Shelter was founded in 1966 after the TV play “Cathy Come Home” shocked the nation with its portrayal of homelessness. The charity has been at the forefront of housing campaigns ever since, helping to establish the legal right to housing assistance.
Notable achievements:
- Campaigned for the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977, which created legal duties toward homeless people
- Continues to campaign against no-fault evictions (Section 21)
- Their advisers help hundreds of thousands of people each year with housing problems
Likelihood of help: Good. Their helpline is widely accessible, and their website has extensive self-help resources. They can provide advice and in some cases representation through their legal services.
Debt: StepChange
Website: www.stepchange.org
Phone: 0800 138 1111 (free, Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-4pm)
History: Founded in 1993 as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, StepChange is the UK’s largest debt advice charity. They’ve helped over 6 million people with debt problems.
What they do: Free, expert debt advice and practical solutions including debt management plans, help with bankruptcy and IVAs, and negotiating with creditors.
Likelihood of help: High. They help everyone regardless of how much debt you have. Their online debt advice tool is available 24/7.
Debt: National Debtline
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org
Phone: 0808 808 4000 (free)
Run by the Money Advice Trust charity, National Debtline provides free debt advice by phone, webchat, and online. Particularly helpful for self-help resources and template letters to creditors.
Money Guidance: MoneyHelper
Website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Phone: 0800 138 7777 (free)
Government-backed service providing free, impartial guidance on all money matters including pensions, debt, mortgages, and budgeting.
Discrimination: Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)
Website: www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
Phone: 0808 800 0082 (free)
Government-funded helpline providing advice on discrimination issues related to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
Domestic Abuse: National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Phone: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours)
Run by Refuge, this 24-hour helpline provides support and information for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. They can help with safety planning, finding refuge accommodation, and understanding legal options.
Women’s Legal Advice: Rights of Women
Website: rightsofwomen.org.uk
History: Founded in 1975, Rights of Women has provided free legal advice to women for nearly 50 years. They operate specialist legal advice lines covering family law, domestic abuse, immigration, sexual violence, and criminal law.
Likelihood of help: Moderate. Phone lines are busy, but their written guides are excellent.
Immigration: Migrant Help
Website: www.migranthelpuk.org
Phone: 0808 8010 503
Provides advice and support for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. They’re the government’s official support provider for asylum seekers.
Ombudsmen and Complaint Services
Ombudsmen provide free dispute resolution—often more effective than going to court.
Financial Ombudsman Service
Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Phone: 0800 023 4567 (free)
Free dispute resolution for complaints against banks, insurers, lenders, and other financial companies. They can award compensation up to £430,000.
Notable cases: Handled millions of PPI mis-selling claims, resulting in over £38 billion returned to consumers across the industry.
Likelihood of help: High. If you have a complaint against a financial firm, they will investigate.
Housing Ombudsman
Website: www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk
Handles complaints about social housing landlords (housing associations and councils). Can order landlords to apologise, make repairs, pay compensation, or change their policies.
Legal Ombudsman
Website: www.legalombudsman.org.uk
If you have a complaint about a solicitor, barrister, or other legal professional, the Legal Ombudsman can investigate and award compensation up to £50,000.
Scotland: Additional Resources
Scotland has its own legal system and dedicated services:
- Scottish Legal Aid Board: www.slab.org.uk – Legal aid in Scotland (broader scope than England)
- Citizens Advice Scotland: www.cas.org.uk
- Shelter Scotland: scotland.shelter.org.uk – Housing advice, 0808 800 4444
- Scottish Women’s Aid: womensaid.scot – 0800 027 1234
Northern Ireland: Additional Resources
- Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland: www.justice-ni.gov.uk/legal-aid
- Advice NI: www.adviceni.net – 0800 915 4604
- Housing Rights NI: www.housingrights.org.uk – 028 9024 5640
- Law Centre NI: www.lawcentreni.org
Tips for Getting Free Legal Help
- Act quickly – Many legal issues have strict time limits (limitation periods). Employment tribunal claims must be filed within 3 months minus one day, for example.
- Gather your documents – Have contracts, letters, emails, and evidence ready before seeking advice. This saves time and helps advisers understand your situation.
- Try Citizens Advice first – They can often signpost you to the right specialist service and help you understand if you have a case.
- Check legal aid eligibility – Even if you think you won’t qualify, use the GOV.UK checker. The rules are complex and you might be surprised.
- Be patient but persistent – Free services are stretched. If you can’t get through, try calling at opening time or use online forms.
- Accept limited help – If an organisation can’t represent you, take the advice they can offer. Understanding your options is valuable.
- Ask about pro bono – If you don’t qualify for legal aid, ask organisations if they know of pro bono lawyers who might help.
- Consider no win, no fee – For personal injury, employment, and some other claims, solicitors may work on a conditional fee basis.
The Reality of Free Legal Help in the UK
The UK once had one of the most comprehensive legal aid systems in the world. The 2012 cuts changed that dramatically, creating what many call a “justice gap” where people can’t afford lawyers but don’t qualify for legal aid.
However, free help does exist if you know where to look:
- Citizens Advice helps millions every year with no income requirements
- Law Centres provide proper legal representation in priority areas
- Specialist helplines (ACAS, Shelter, StepChange) offer expert advice in their fields
- Ombudsmen can resolve disputes without lawyers
- Pro bono lawyers take on cases they believe in
The key is acting early. The sooner you seek help, the more options you’ll have. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis—reach out when you first notice a problem developing.
If you’re struggling to access help, contact your local MP. They have caseworkers who can sometimes intervene, and they need to hear about gaps in legal services.
Related Articles
Looking for free legal help in other countries? See our guides:
- Where to Get Free Legal Help in the USA
- Where to Get Free Legal Help in Canada
- Where to Get Free Legal Help in Australia
For specific UK consumer issues, you may also find these helpful:
