What is Public Funding ?

If you need to see a solicitor to help you to sue someone or to get a court order, but you cannot afford to pay your solicitor, then you may be eligible for Public Funding. The Government provides money to help pay for your case. The money comes from the Community Legal Services Fund (CLS) and is administered by the Legal Services Commission, (formally the Legal Aid Board).

 

You may be entitled to Public Funding just to speak to a solicitor and to have a solicitor write letters on your behalf. This is known as "Legal Help", (or the advice and assistance scheme as it was previously known.)

 

You may also be entitled to Public Funding for your solicitor and/or barrister to go to court for you. For this you will need a "Legal Representation Certificate". Your solicitor will apply for this on your behalf.