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. Our Editor previously worked alongside the thousands of volunteers that help people with their legal problems.
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. ACAS – “Work issues can be complicated, so you might want to get legal advice on what to do in your specific situation…You’ll usually have to pay for legal advice but some free legal support is available.”
22. 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. Shelter Scotland – Provides free housing and homelessness advice for people in need in Scotland.
6. University of St Andrews Free Student Legal Advice – Information on free legal advice in and around St Andrews
7. Govan Law Centre – Govan Law Centre is an independent organization using the law to end poverty and discrimination. Contact them at 0800 043 0306.
8. Govanhill Law Centre – “If you reside within the South West area of Glasgow we may be able to advise or appear in court/tribunal on your behalf for free (subject to (a) eligibility for civil legal aid for sheriff court or Court of Session litigation being pursued/defended by you and/or (b) your problem being within our area of expertise).”
9. Fife Law Centre – “We are a team of solicitors who provide free legal advice and representation for the people in Fife who need it most.”
10. Scottish Child Law Centre – Free Expert Legal Advice About Children’s Rights And Child Law In Scotland
11. Dundee Law Centre – “We are a team of solicitors who provide specialist legal advice to people across Dundee. We want to live in a society where people’s rights are upheld, their needs met and they are enabled to thrive.”
12. The Law Clinic at Robert Gordon University (RGU) – The Law Clinic at RGU provides access to free legal advice.
13. Castlemilk Law & Money Advice Centre – “is a community controlled law centre providing legal advice and representation on social security, housing law, debt and employment law. We also provide advice on women’s rights and disability rights…We generally take on clients from South East Glasgow.”
14. Ethnic Minorities Law Centre – Based in Glasgow and Edinburgh – “offering services dedicated to black and minority ethnic communities.”

England and Wales Free Legal Advice

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

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 lawyer-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.