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Legal Aid In The Uk

Legal aid in the UK is provided by the Legal Services Commission though this article only covers civil (i.e., not criminal) cases.

The idea behind the legal aid system is to ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has access to legal advice. But, not everyone will be entitled to receive it and it very much depends on the kind of problem, or the case, that you have.

Furthermore, a reward will also depend on your financial circumstances. This includes your income and any assets you own such as property. You will also have to demonstrate that there is a ‘reasonable’ chance of you winning your case.

Cases And Eligibility For Legal Aid In The UK

Legal aid can be claimed in a many different kinds civil dispute either with a company or an individual.

claiming legal aid in the uk

However, many of the more numerous kinds of claim do not qualify for legal aid in the UK and these include:

• Personal Injury

• Employment Tribunals

• Land Tribunals

• Boundary Disputes

• Libel

• Slander

• Conveyancing

• Will Writing

There are others but the waters are muddied a little by the fact that legal aid can sometimes be awarded for the above cases if there are special circumstances. But, by and large, if you are involved in any of the above disputes than you will not be entitled to legal aid.

If your case does allow a claim for legal aid you then have to prove you are eligible to receive an award. This is judged by looking at yours, and your partners, financial circumstances; how much disposable income you have and your (disposable) capital.

Generally speaking if your monthly gross income exceeds £2435 or you have more than £8000 in disposable capital (investments you can cash in or property you can sell) than you will not be entitled to legal aid in the UK.

Can’t Get Legal Aid?

There are some alternative ways of receiving free legal advice the most popular of which is a conditional fee or no win no fee agreement. This is the method by which most people will engage a solicitor for a personal injury claim or similar case.

There may also be a law centre near you that dispenses free advice. These kind of centres can be found in most large towns and cities within the UK so it may be worthwhile checking your local phone book.

The third alternative to legal aid is legal expenses insurance. As the name suggests these policies will pay for your legal costs but they can be very expensive to take out.