As part of our top law firms directory, given the current legal aid crisis and continued cost of living issues, we’ve started a new page here with the mission of showcasing and championing those providers, university law clinics, law firms and lawyers and providers who provide FREE LEGAL ADVICE in the United Kingdom – for Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland (note you usually need to choose a firm in your relevant country because the law is usually different in each jurisdiction – there are four legal systems in the UK, not one UK law as such).

And in addition to a list of free legal advice providers in the UK, we’ve listed free legal advice providers in Canada, free legal advice providers in Australia and free legal advice providers in the United States too).

While organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau have long championed the provision of free legal advice and assistance to the public (indeed our Founder used to work there alongside hundreds of thousands of volunteers who have also helped there), we acknowledge that even CAB can’t do it all on their own. Sometimes more complex or specialised legal matters necessitate the assistance of other providers, lawyers and law firms. Indeed more University Law Clinics are being founded to help aid the cause.

Do UK law firms really provide free legal advice?

Note that it’s rare for law firms to provide comprehensive free services, as their expertise and extensive training command a fee. However, and taking inspiration from the great work that Delia Venables and Nick Holmes have been doing over the years with this free legal advice list here on the Venables website we have started to identify a select group of solicitors and law firms below that provide at least some pro bono legal assistance to disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Limitations to free legal advice providers

This list will hopefully continue to expand beyond those initially mentioned here as there will be so many firms out there providing free legal advice.

Remember that while free legal advice can be a tremendous asset, it is important to be aware of its limitations and to seek private legal advice when necessary depending on your location and specific legal issue and circumstances of your case or situation.

Pro Bono / Free Legal Advice Firms and Organisations in the UK

Here are some of the top free legal advice providers in the UK with a note of the areas of law they could potentially help you with (AND for lawyers, if you’re based in the UK, and think your law firm or your lawyers who can provide at least some legal advice for free deserve to be listed, get in touch here and we’ll be happy to consider you)

UK-Wide Free Legal Advice

1. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – Provides free advice on various legal and non-legal issues.
2. LawWorks – Connects individuals and community groups with free legal advice from volunteer lawyers.
3. Ask Solicitors – One of the relatively new free online legal advice providers, Ask Solicitors provides free legal advice by allowing users to ask questions online.
4. AskALawyer.co.uk – Another one of the relatively new free online legal advice providers AskALawyer.co.uk connects individuals with expert lawyers who provide free legal advice.
5. Free Representation Unit (FRU) – Offers free legal representation for individuals in employment and social security tribunals.
6. Legal Advice Centre at Queen Mary University of London – Provides free legal advice and assistance to the public.
7. Rights of Women – Offers free legal advice for women on a wide range of issues, including family law and domestic violence.
8. Shelter – Provides free housing and homelessness advice for people in need.
9. Personal Support Unit (PSU) – Offers free support and guidance for individuals facing court proceedings.
10. National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) – Assists victims of domestic violence in obtaining legal protection.
11. Women’s Aid – Provides support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse.
12. Refugee Legal Support – Offers free legal advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers.
13. Law Centres Network – Provides free legal advice and representation through local Law Centres.
14. Bar Pro Bono Unit – Connects individuals in need with barristers willing to provide free legal representation.
15. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) – Offers free legal advice and information on child poverty-related issues.
16. Release (Advisory Service for Drugs and Law) – Provides free legal advice and support for individuals affected by drug policy.
17. The Bridge Group – Assists individuals in accessing legal support and advice for social welfare matters.
18. Toynbee Hall – Offers free legal advice, support, and representation to individuals in need.
19. Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) – Provides free legal advice and representation to prisoners in England and Wales.
20. Age UK Legal Advice Service – Offers free legal advice for older people on various legal issues.
21. Disability Law Service – Provides free legal advice and representation for individuals with disabilities.

Free Legal Advice in Scotland

For Scotland specifically, here are some of the top free legal advice providers, including various leading University law clinics:-

1. University of Strathclyde Law Clinic – The University of Strathclyde Law Clinic provides access to justice in Glasgow and surrounding areas.
2. Scottish Young Lawyers’ Association Free Legal Advice Clinics – The Scottish Young Lawyers’ Association hosts free legal advice clinics.
3. The Law Clinic at Glasgow Caledonian University – The Law Clinic at Glasgow Caledonian University offers free legal advice and assistance.
4. Free Legal Advice Centre at Edinburgh Law School – The Free Legal Advice Centre at Edinburgh Law School provides free legal advice to the public.
5. Govan Law Centre – Govan Law Centre is an independent organization using the law to end poverty and discrimination. Contact them at 0800 043 0306.
6. The Law Clinic at Robert Gordon University (RGU) – The Law Clinic at RGU provides access to free legal advice.

England and Wales Free Legal Advice

For England and Wales, here are other great legal advice providers, including various leading University law clinics:-

1. APL Adam Prudens Law

https://adamprudenslaw.co.uk/ – ‘Free UK Legal Advice‘

“At Adam Prudens Law we believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Our work across international borders creates a world where volunteering and providing legal services to people in poor countries is not only accepted but encouraged. Our legal services go beyond just providing solutions to problems. Our vision is to transform communities by making the world a better place, one participant at a time.”

G Reviews Rating: 5/5 from 472 Reviews as of 2022/2023

Client Testimonials: “One of the best and most competent attorneys out there is Adam. Adam has worked on several cases for me, and he never disappoints. Even when he is stressed, he communicates well. He can support anyone in any situation. I strongly recommend Adam.” -Danial Mobin

2. A&A Solicitors Ltd

https://www.aa-solicitors.co.uk/ – UK Legal Advice

“A&A Solicitors is a highly trusted law firm providing a personal and bespoke service to all of our clients.

Our legal team consists of fully qualified and specialist solicitors with an outstanding track record of success and a reputation for client satisfaction. We understand the complexity of cases such as:

• Immigration
• Personal injury
• Family matters
• Civil litigation
• Criminal law
• Commercial matters
• Housing Disrepair
• Induced hearing loss claim”

G Reviews Rating: 5/5 from 59 Reviews as of 2022/2023

Client Testimonials: “Thank you A&A Solicitors for getting us the Home Office sponsorship license. I would highly recommend Mr. Javed Akbar to anyone looking for help getting a sponsorship license for business and any other immigration problems! They are the best in the UK👍🏻 .” -Sahab Yunis

3. Parkview Solicitors & Higher Court Advocates

https://www.parkviewsolicitors.co.uk/ – UK Specialist Free Legal Services Law Firm

“We are a specialist law firm serving clients across England and Wales in areas of Civil Litigation, Family Law, Criminal Injuries, Personal Injury, Professional Negligence, Human Rights, Residential Landlord & Tenant, Immigration & Nationality, and much more.

We pride ourselves on providing specialist advocacy services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. We also have particular expertise in providing representation in complex tribunal appeals.

Our specialty is in handling litigation in all aspects of civil matters ranging from high-value catastrophic injury claims to a typical claim for breach of contract for the supply of goods and services.”

G Reviews Rating: 4.9/5 from 400 Reviews as of 2022/2023

Client Testimonials: “Highly recommendable and excellent solicitors for the timely and accurate work most especially Aminah Altaf who has been incredibly amazing all through! All gratitude goes to the Parkview Solicitors! Thank you👏 .” – Christine Ssali

4. Major Family Law

https://www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk/ – UK Specialist Family Law Firm (45 Min Free Consultation)

“As a nationally acclaimed family law practice with specialist lawyers, Major Family Law offers a comprehensive range of services relating to relationships, finances, and children.

Get in touch now for your FREE 45-minute consultation
Get in touch with us using the form and one of our team will respond to you promptly. You can also contact us by email or telephone if you prefer. Please note, we are unable to offer Legal Aid.”

G Reviews Rating: 4.9/5 from 294 Reviews as of 2022/2023

Client Testimonials: “Excellent free consultation. The time was well spent getting full of the picture of the situation and then giving options with rough ideas of the financial implications of each avenue I could explore. I came away with a much clearer idea of what I could do. Very professional.” -Mark Lillico

5. DSM Legal Solicitors

https://dsmlegal.co.uk/ – UK No Win, No Fee Legal Advice Providers Law Firm

“We are a national firm of solicitors based in Warrington and specialize in serious Personal Injury Accident claims, Medical, Dental, and Professional Negligence claims as well as Employment Law Settlement Agreements, Wills, and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

We work to get the best possible outcome for you and your family whether that is by obtaining maximum compensation when you have been injured or by helping to reduce delays and legal costs in later life by preparing your Will or Lasting Power of Attorney.

We offer free telephone consultation and in injury and professional negligence cases no win no fee.”

G Reviews Rating: 4.9/5 from 33 Reviews as of 2022/2023

Client Testimonials: “DSM Legal was highly recommended to me and I couldn’t be more thankful. Diane was extremely efficient, speedy with responses, and professional at all times. I would also highly recommend DSM Legal, thankyou Diane.” -Julie Bold

Not an exhaustive list

Please keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there are numerous other organizations and law firms across the UK that may provide pro bono or free legal advice. It’s advisable to contact the specific organization or law firm directly to inquire about their availability and the areas of law they cover.

Need Help With Your Legal Issue?

Need help with obtaining the best legal advice for your circumstances or want to ask a free question? Get in touch here and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

For Free Legal Advice Law Firms & Pro Bono Lawyers in the UK – Want to get listed?

If you’re based in the UK, and think your law firm or your lawyers who can provide at least some legal advice for free deserve to be listed, get in touch here and we’ll be happy to consider you.

The information provided on this website is not legal advice, this website is not a lawyer referral service and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or should be formed by use of the site. The listings on this website do not in any way constitute a referral or endorsement by this website. Your access of/to and use of this site is subject to additional Terms and Conditions. None of the content on this website constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any legal matter.