Can I speak to a lawyer for free UK?

Asked by: Samson Aufderhar  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 5/5 (21 votes)

You can call a solicitor's office and ask if they offer a free half hour or a fixed fee. A free or fixed-fee appointment can help you find out your rights and legal position. It's a good way to find out whether it's worth taking someone else to court or if you have a case that's worth defending.

Can you get free legal advice UK?

Law centres offer free legal advice in their centres across the country. They cover topics such as benefits, employment, housing, immigration and asylum, discrimination and debt. To find your local centre, visit the Law Centres Network website.

How can I get a free lawyer UK?

You'll be offered free advice: by telephone (if the offence is less serious) from the police station's duty solicitor.
...
If you're charged or go to court
  1. get advice from the same organisation that helped you at the police station.
  2. ask to speak to the court duty solicitor.
  3. find your own criminal legal aid solicitor.

Is legal representation free UK?

Criminal cases

You have the right to free legal advice if you're questioned at a police station. You'll automatically get legal aid for legal representation in court if you're under 16 (or under 18 and in full-time education) or on certain benefits.

Is ask a solicitor free?

We can help you, and it's 100% free.

Speak to a lawyer for free

32 related questions found

How much does a lawyer cost UK?

Solicitors with over 4 years' experience might charge anywhere between £200 and £296 per hour in London. Other solicitors with less experience could charge between £165 and £226 per hour, and trainee lawyers and paralegals might charge between £121 and £198 per hour, in London.

Do solicitors give free advice?

Some solicitors give 30 minutes' legal advice for free. Some offer a fixed fee - that way you'll know in advance what the advice will cost. You can call a solicitor's office and ask if they offer a free half hour or a fixed fee. A free or fixed-fee appointment can help you find out your rights and legal position.

What is the maximum income to qualify for legal aid UK?

In the Crown Court there is means testing against income. An individual is eligible for legal aid if that individual's gross annual income does not exceed £12,475, or where their gross annual income is greater than £12,475 and disposable annual income is less than £37,500.

Do I have to pay back legal aid UK?

Find a solicitor or mediator with a legal aid contract on GOV.UK. ... You'll need to pay some legal aid back if you keep or gain any money or property at the end of your court case. You might be asked to do this through a lump sum, or monthly instalments of £25 or over.

Does the statutory charge apply to legal help?

Legal costs are often recovered from the opponent in a case – or an opponent may agree to pay a percentage of the costs in settling a case. The Statutory Charge is a way of recouping some of the costs spent on a Legal Aid case by the Legal Aid Agency, so that more people can have access to Legal Aid.

How long does it take for legal aid to be approved?

Applications are usually processed within 25 working days. If we agree a case is urgent, we will prioritise it and make a decision within 10 working days.

Does legal aid have to be repaid?

If your opponent pays your legal costs because they lost the case then you may not have to pay anything back to the Legal Aid Agency out of your own pocket. ... If you lose your case you do not have to pay back your legal costs as the Agency will pay your solicitor, but you will lose any contributions you have paid.

How much is a joint Will UK?

A joint Will will normally require the support of a will writing professional or solicitor, as these are often more complex than a single will. The cost of making a joint Will is more likely to be between £250 and £700, which again will depend on the complexity of your affairs.

What is pro bono lawyers?

The term pro bono is used primarily in the legal profession. Lawyers who serve the public interest by providing free legal services to those in need do so on a pro bono basis. The provider is thought to be imparting a benefit for the greater good, instead of working for profit.

How do I get a duty solicitor?

You can:
  1. ask for the police station's 'duty solicitor' - they're available 24 hours a day and independent of the police.
  2. tell the police you would like legal advice - the police will contact the Defence Solicitor Call Centre ( DSCC )
  3. ask the police to contact a solicitor, eg your own one.

Who automatically qualifies for legal aid?

Your income will automatically qualify if you are in receipt of Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Guarantee Credit. You will also qualify if your disposable income does not exceed £733 per month.

Can I get legal aid on ESA?

Who can get legal aid? You qualify for legal aid if: You are on a low income or receive income-related benefits, such as income support, income-related ESA or JSA.

What is the merit test?

The purpose of the Merit Test is to assess whether it is reasonable in all the circumstances to grant legal aid. whether the applicant has reasonable prospects of success.

What is a no win no fee solicitor?

A no win no fee agreement (also known as a conditional fee arrangement) allows you to make a compensation claim, with no financial risk and without paying any solicitors' fees upfront. ... If your case is unsuccessful you won't have to pay any legal fees – either to your own solicitor or to your opponent's.

What is a practicing solicitor?

A practising solicitor is an individual who is a member of the Law Society and often regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority. Due to the training and rigourous requirements to qualify, solicitors are often regarded as legal experts and can offer specialist legal advice.

Do solicitors charge for phone calls UK?

A solicitor will charge you for everything they do which is related to your case. This will include: speaking to you on the phone.

Can I refuse to pay solicitor?

If a client refuses to pay monies owed to a solicitor, the solicitor is still entitled to seek recovery of their costs, see Practice Note: Recovery of costs, solicitor's rights, and non-statutory assessments.

What is a grade C solicitor?

A Grade C fee earner is defined as: “Other solicitors and legal executives and fee earners of equivalent experience”. ... Clerks without the equivalent experience of legal executives will be treated as being in the bottom grade of fee earner ie. trainee solicitors and fee earners of equivalent experience [Grade D].”