Signposting
If Advocate can't assist you, here is a list of other organisations and resources that we hope you might find useful in your search for the right help.
General advice
Advicenow – provides step-by-step specialist guides, tools, and films to help people deal with their legal problems, including step-by-step help for people who have to represent themselves in court:
- How to access free legal help
- How to sort out your legal problem before or instead of going to court
- Going to court or tribunal without a lawyer
- Going to court when the other side has a lawyer and you don't
- Witnesses going to court in civil proceedings
- Time limits for suing someone
- How to settle a claim
- Signposting clients to other help
- Where to start - browse Advice Now's Help Directory
BPP Pro Bono Centre - Services delivered by volunteer BPP University students, with guidance from qualified lawyers, on areas including:
- Business
- Consumer
- Debt problems
- Employment
- Enforcing a judgement
- Family or divorce
- Housing
- Parking ticket
- Translation
- Welfare
- Environmental law
- Other legal advice
Guide to Pro Bono & Other Free Advice in England & Wales - a directory for MPs, MSs and others looking to signpost individuals to free legal and other advice. Endorsed by the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee.
Support Through Court – supports people going through court proceedings without legal representation (non-legal advice). See their useful guidance video for people on what to expect when representing themselves in court as litigants in person.
Legal aid eligibility & support
Check if you are eligible for legal aid
Directory of legal aid providers
Civil Legal Advice (if eligible for legal aid)
Legal Aid Agency – 0300 200 2020 – Civil enquiries | 01158 526 000 – Crime enquiries
Public Law Project - provides guidance on applying for exceptional case funding
Preparing documents and going to court
Advicenow guides, detailed information and step-by-step guidance:
- How to sort out your legal problem before or instead of going to court
- Going to court or tribunal without a lawyer
- Guide to going to the Civil Court
- Going to court when the other side has a lawyer and you don't
- Sending documents to the court and the other side
- How to prepare a trial bundle and index
- How to make a small claim about injuries caused by a car accident
A Guide to Representing Yourself in Court (Bar Council Guide)
ONRECORD: Web and mobile app that helps you to gather evidence for court cases
How to prepare pdf bundles for court hearings
Downloadable trial bundle index
Citizen's Advice sample letters
How to write a skeleton argument
Apply for help with court transcript costs
Remote hearings
Everything you need to know about remote hearings (Advicenow Guide)
The Transparency Project Guide to Remote Hearings
How to join a remote hearing by telephone or video (GOV.UK)
Guidance for litigants in person on remote hearings in the family court (The Resolution Foundation)
Coronavirus and remote hearings in the family court (Rights of Women)
Useful videos on how to join different kinds of remote hearing
National legal advice organisations
Advice Local – finds tailored information for your area, including details of independent advice organisations who can help you get the advice and support that you need
Citizens Advice – provides legal advice
Law Centres Network – offers face-to-face legal advice to local residents, and some run a telephone advice line.
LawWorks Clinics – nationwide network of free legal advice sessions, including free legal advice for small charities and not-for-profit organisations.
The University of Law – provides free legal advice to members of the public
Benefits, finance and debt
Advicenow Guides: PIP appeals, Benefits and living together, DLA appeals, Benefit sanctions, Tax credit overpayments, Work capability assessments
Birmingham Fraud Clinic - delivered by Birmingham University law students working under qualified lawyers, offering free legal advice for victims of fraud or anyone who is concerned they may be a victim of fraud. The clinic offers advice nationally. Contact by filling out the enquiry form.
Compare the market - Guide to how to avoid loan fraud
Debt Advice Foundation – 0800 043 40 50 – A specialist debt charity offering free, confidential advice on any aspect of debt
Financial Ombudsman Service – consumer helpline 0800 023 4567 / 0300 123 9123
Free Representation Unit – provides representation in social security and PIP hearings
HMRC Tax and Benefits Confidential Helpline – 0845 608 6000 – helps families and individuals with targeted financial support
Mary Ward Legal Centre – 020 7831 7079 – provides free legal advice to those based in London
Money Advice Service – 0800 138 7777 – provides free and impartial money advice
Money Advice Trust - oversees the National Debt line (see below) to help people across the UK to tackle their debts and manage their money.
National Debt Line – 0808 808 4000 – provides free debt advice
South West London Law Centres – 0208 767 2777 – provides a 30 minute free session of legal advice on money and debt management
Step Change – 0800 138 1111 – Expert advice on dealing with debt online or over the phone
TaxAid – 0345 120 3779 – offers free, confidential advice on tax to those on low incomes
Toynbee Hall – 020 7392 2953 – frontline advice agency based in East London
Upgraded Points - 30 Common Credit Card Scams – A Guide for Financially Vulnerable Adults.
Turn2Us – 0808 802 2000 – Charity helping people in financial need. Written advice on Benefits overpayment.
Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K) – 020 7259 0801 – provides advice and support on income, housing and social welfare matters
Crime
Victim Support – 0808 1689 111 – offers support to those that have been affected by crime or traumatic events
Independent Office for Police Conduct – 0300 020 0096 - investigate the most serious and sensitive incidents and allegations involving the police
NACRO – 0300 123 1889 – a national social justice charity which aims to educate, support and advise disadvantaged young people and adults
Centre for Criminal Appeals – 020 7040 0019 – a charity that fights miscarriages of justice and demands reform
Sentencing Council – issue guidelines on sentencing for courts to follow
ASB Help - assisting victims of anti-social behavior
Disabilities and mental health
Disability Law Service – 020 7791 9800 – provides free legal advice to people with disabilities and their carers
Disability Rights UK – Guide to benefits and how to claim them
MIND – 020 8519 2122 – offers advice and support to those experiencing mental health problems
Nafsiyat - 020 7263 6947 - a charity that provides intercultural therapy and counselling services to London's diverse religious, cultural and ethnic population
Prevent Suicide - App and website for helping to prevent suicide.
Rachel’s Voice - 0808 808 1111 - offers advice to families who have suffered a bereavement after the death of a person with a learning disability. Advice is offered to clients free of charge by lawyers who are working pro bono.
Rehab 4 Addiction - 0800 140 4690 - offering free help advice on alcohol detox and rehabilitation.
Samaritans – 116 123 – a charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that could lead to suicide
SANE – 0300 304 7000 – leading mental health charity
Shout – Text 'Shout' to 85258 – 24/7 confidential text support service for those struggling with mental health
Supportive Parents – 0117 9897725 – a charity providing information, advice & support to parents, children & young people about any type of special educational need or disability from 0-25 years who live in Bristol, N. Somerset or S. Gloucestershire
Time2Share – 0117 9415868 – a local charity supporting disabled children, young people & their families. Supports families across the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset region
Domestic violence
CourtNav (filling in Form FL401 and receiving legal advice before it can be submitted)
Domestic Violence Assist - 0800 195 8699 - charity offering help with non-molestation, occupation and prohibited steps orders
Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS) (legal support service) - 0203 745 7707
Hestia Bright Sky website and app - Bright Sky is a free app providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship. It has a secure journal tool to record behaviour via text, audio, video or photo, without the content being stored on your phone/tablet.
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247 – 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline
National Centre for Domestic Violence - 0800 970 2070 - can assist with urgent injunctions
Rights of Women – 020 7251 6575 – offer women free, confidential legal advice from specialist women solicitors and barristers
The Green House – 0117 935 1707 – free, confidential, specialist support & counselling to help women, men, young people & children with difficulties that can arise from sexual abuse, rape, or any kind of sexual trauma
Next Link – voluntary organisation providing safe temporary supported housing to women & children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse within the home. Resettlement, outreach & crisis services. BaNES, S Glouc, Bristol
Rape Crisis – 0142 526 770 – offer services by women, for women and girls
Safe Harbour for All - 02476686690 - offers refuge accommodation in Coventry, in addition to counselling and therapy services and legal guidance.
Southall Black Sisters - provides support and advice for BAME women and girls experiencing domestic violence.
Southside Family Project – support for families and victims of domestic abuse in BaNES
Survivors UK – 0203 598 3898 – offers support to male victims of sexual abuse
Survive – domestic Violence Charity "Working towards freedom from domestic abuse"
Toynbee Hall Women's Free Legal Advice Clinic - 020 7247 6943 - offers support on areas ranging from housing and employment law to family law and domestic violence. Based in East London.
Women's Aid - Live Chat is available via their website on Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-12:00pm
Voices – a Bath-based charity founded by and for survivors of domestic abuse
Education
Coram Children's Legal Centre – 01206 714 650 – provides free legal information on exclusions, bullying, special educational needs, admissions and attendance at school
Refugee Support Network ‘Access to Higher Education’ advice line – 07597583228 / 0800 331 7292 – offers refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people support with higher education
IPSEA Advice line – provides legally based information and next step advice on any educational issue that is the result of a child’s special educational needs or disability.
Employment
Dealing with discrimination and other problems at work
Step-by-step guide to raising a grievance at work
Preparing an Employment Tribunal case
Who can accompany you to a disciplinary hearing
The difference between formal and informal meetings
Gathering evidence about discrimination at work
Preliminary Hearings at the Employment Tribunal
Representing yourself at an Employment Tribunal
How to complete an Agenda for Case Management form and prepare for the preliminary hearing
Guide & template for drafting Schedule of Loss form after unfair dismissal
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) – 0300 123 1100 – provides information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems
BPP Law School Employment Law Telephone Advice Line (ELTAL) - 0207 633 4534 - an advice line offering initial advice to callers. Leave a message and a student volunteer will call back for more information on the details of your case. You will then receive a call from a volunteer lawyer on a Tuesday evening between 6.30pm and 8pm within 7-10 days of speaking to the student.
Free Representation Unit – 020 7611 9555 – provides legal advice, case preparation and advocacy in employment, social security, and some criminal injury compensation tribunal cases
Protect - 020 3117 2520 - Free legal advice service on whistleblowing at work.
Rights of women - 020 7490 0152 Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 3pm – 5pm and 6 – 8pm. Offers free employment legal advice to women in England and Wales experiencing sexual harassment at work
South West London Law Centres – 0208 767 2777 – provides a 30 minute free session of legal advice on employment rights and obligations, as well as emergency assistance and representation for housing possession cases at Croydon, Wandsworth and Kingston County Courts.
Toynbee Hall – 020 7292 2953 – frontline advice agency based in East London.
YESS Law – 020 3701 7530/7531 – offers affordable advice to employees and employers who want to resolve problems at work
Zero Hours Justice - 01904 900 151 - free confidential legal information and advice if you believe you have been unfairly treated under a Zero Hours Contract.
Family
Coram Children’s Legal Centre's Child Law Advice Service – 020 7520 0300 - provides advice on parental disputes about child arrangements, child protection and attending court.
Dad's House - 07765 183504 - Runs a Pro Bono Family Law Clinic on Wednesdays and Fridays each week led by Simon Bruce (Dawson Cornwall), a well renowned family law solicitor, alongside other skilled family lawyers and dedicated law student volunteers.
Globalarrk - Charity specialising in helping stuck parents who want to move with their child but are being prevented by Hague Convention proceedings.
Grandparents Legal Centre – 0843 289 7130 – specialists in advising about the steps grandparents need to take to try and resolve certain difficult issues
Grandparents Plus – a national charity dedicated to supporting kinship carers - grandparents and other relatives raising children who aren't able to live with their parents
Families Need Fathers - 0300 0300 363 - Info advice and support to both parents to help them maintain their relationship with their children
Family Rights Group - 0808 801 0366 - advises families whose children are involved with or needs children's services because of welfare needs or concerns. They promote children staying safely within their families
On Record free family advice hub
Only Dads – 07786 877718- A national on-line support & signposting service for parents going through separation/divorce
Only Mums – 07786 877718 - A national on-line support & signposting service for parents going through separation/divorce
OurFamilyWizard - 0203 514 0008 - A co-parenting app and website. Parents and other family members can use OurFamilyWizard as a central platform to connect and share their most important family information within one secure place, with calendar, messaging, expense log and other features.
ParentingU - 0208 930 1081 - Offers support for families in London, including in mental health, SEN and child protection services. Services particularly focus on families navigating PLO (Public Law Outline) or child protection plans.
Resolution – 020 3841 0300 – Resolution is a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way
Rights of Women - 020 7251 6577 - Rights of Women is a women’s charity working in a number of ways to help women through the law
Working Families – 0300 012 0312- for parents and carers needing advice on maternity and paternity leave and discrimination. They also provide basic benefits advice
ULaw Birmingham - Advice regarding separation, divorce and finances, and issues concerning childre. Family Law E-mail Advice Line (FEAL) at freelegaladvicebristol@law.ac.uk
YouTube videos - Barrister Lucy Reed has made a series of videos to help parents facing family court without legal assistance
Survival guide to Representing yourself in family court (film)
How to fill in your financial statement (Form E) - film
Detailed written guides
How to get a divorce or end a civil partnership without the help of a lawyer
How to apply for a court order about the arrangements for your children without the help of a lawyer (most of this guide is available for free online – just scroll down. If you want as much help as possible, purchase the guide or request it for free if you are on a very low income).
Applying for a child arrangements order without a lawyer
Survival guide to sorting out your finances when you get divorced
How to apply for a financial order without the help of a lawyer (most of this guide is available for free online – just scroll down. If you want as much help as possible, purchase the guide or request it for free if you are on a very low income).
How to apply for parental responsibility without the help of a lawyer
Getting an international divorce
Getting help to pay a court fee in a civil or family case
Getting help to pay for legal advice about a family problem
A survival guide to using Family Mediation after a break up
Guide to preparing a bundle for a Family Court hearing
Survival guide to pensions on divorce
Distribution of assets on divorce or dissolution
Information Guides on moving country with your child
International Child Abduction
Globalarrk - Charity specialising in helping stuck parents who want to move with their child but are being prevented by Hague Convention proceedings.
Housing
If you are facing eviction, please see our signposting guide
Advicenow guides:
- Fixing problems in a privately rented home
- Dealing with a Section 21 eviction notice
- What to do if threatened with homelessness
- What to do if you are homeless
- Challenge your homelessness application
- Showing you are a good tenant
- Guide to rent guarantors
- Right to Rent
Gov.uk – What is housing benefit and how to claim it
Shelter – 0808 800 4444 – free national helpline for urgent housing advice (risk of homelessness). They also provide face-to-face and online services and court attendance
Leasehold Advisory Service – 0207 832 2500 – independent advice on residential leasehold, park homes and fire safety
Justice for Tenants - 020 3476 5548 - free Advice, Support and Representation for tenants with all kinds of issues
Mary Ward Legal Centre – 020 7831 7079 – provides free legal advice to those based in London on debt, housing and welfare
South West London Law Centres – 0208 767 2777 – provides a 30 minute free session of legal advice on housing issues
Toynbee Hall –020 7392 2937- frontline advice agency based in East London
Citizen's Advice – The eviction ban is ending, what you need to know
Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) – The Legal Aid Agency funds HLPAS throughout England and Wales to provide on-the-day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings. The schemes allow anyone in danger of eviction or having property repossessed to get free legal advice and representation on the day of their hearing, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Bloomsbury Legal Clinic - London-based advice clinic offering specialist housing advice.
Human rights and public law
The AIRE Centre – 020 7831 4276- promote awareness of European law rights and assist marginalised individuals and those in vulnerable circumstances to assert those rights
Equality Advisory Support Service – 0808 800 0082 – advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights by informal dispute resolutions
Public Law Project – 020 7843 1260 - have produced various useful resources. They are also able to help individuals who have been referred by an MP, lawyers, advisors or voluntary groups
Immigration and asylum
Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) - 0203 716 0283 - see their 'organisations that can help' page, which contains a list of organisations who might be able to help with asylum support enquiries, and also wider services for asylum seekers and refugees, organised by geographical area.
BID – 020 7456 9750 – provides legal advice and representation to migrants detained in removal centres and prisons
Coram Children’s Legal Centre's Migrant Children's Project – 020 7520 0300 - provides one-to-one legal advice on issues affecting children subject to immigration control
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants – 0207 553 7470 – represents clients at all stages of the legal process including applications to the Home Office, entry clearance, appeals and judicial review. They also provide a service for those in prison and in need of immigration advice – 020 7553 7468
Kalayaan – 0207 243 2942 – provides advice, advocacy and support in the UK for migrant domestic workers
Migrant Legal Support – 0117 911 3393/ 029 2000 3050 - specifically for Wales and the South West and West of the UK
Migrant Help – 0808 8000 630 - Free asylum helpline
Project 17 – 07963 509 044 – for migrant families with no recourse to public funding on housing and financial issues facing poverty
Refugee Council – 0808 808 2255 – supporting and empowering refugees. For general advice – 020 736700
Refugee Advice Service London – 020 7346 1166 – advice for people recently granted refugee status
Right to Remain website and toolkit is a step-by-step guide to the UK immigration and asylum system. It’s free to use, and it’s for people who want to learn more about the legal process, or a particular part of the legal process.
South West London Law Centres – 0208 767 2777 – provides a 30 minute free session of legal advice on all matters to do with immigration and asylum
Toynbee Hall – frontline advice agency based in East London
Inquests
INQUEST - 020 7263 1111 - provides free and independent advice on the inquest process and related investigations following a death in state care or detention in England and Wales
Grief Companion Scheme, The Compassionate Friends - 0345 123 2304 - putting bereaved parents in touch with each other for peer-to-peer support
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) - 0300 111 2141 - provides practical help and emotional support to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court
Factsheet for Families - brief introduction as to what to expect at an Inquest and designed to give an overview of the purpose and process of a Coroner's Inquest (CCSS)
Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People - Ministry of Justice guide on the coroner process
Let’s Talk About Loss - provides meet ups across the UK for young people aged 18-35 to talk about grief
Rachel’s Voice - 0808 808 1111 - offers advice to families who have suffered a bereavement after the death of a person with a learning disability. Advice is offered to clients free of charge by lawyers who are working pro bono.
SLOW - 07532 423 674 - provides informal, quiet spaces to connect with other bereaved parents and siblings to slowly rebuild lives
Grief Encounter - 0808 802 0111 - helpline offering confidential, emotional support and guidance to anyone affected by grief
Personal Injury
Planning
Planning Aid for London - 030 0772 9808 - provides free support on town planning and development for people and communities in London who cannot afford professional support.
Prisoners
Prisoners Abroad – 0808 172 0098 – cares for the welfare of British prisoners held in foreign prisons
Prisoners Advice Service – 020 7253 3323 - free legal advice and support for adult prisoners regarding their human & legal rights, conditions of imprisonment and the application of Prison Law and the Prison Rules. They can also advise on matters of Family Law, and of Immigration Law to prisoners with issues relating to detention or deportation
The Shannon Trust - 0203 764 5250 - help in prisons for those struggling with reading
Professional disciplinary
Action against Medical Accidents – 0845 123 23 52 – providing free confidential advice to people affected by medical accidents
Doctor support service – 020 7383 6707 – offers emotional help from fellow doctors and functions independently of the GMC
Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service - There is a confidential face-to-face support service at the MPTS hearing centre and an information line
University legal advice clinics
Many universities offer legal advice clinics, including:
The Birmingham Free Legal Advice Group - offers advice to people based in the West Midlands. Delivered by University law students working under the supervision of qualified lawyers, offering free legal advice in family and divorce law, employment law, housing, wills and probate, and civil disputes.
Bristol Law Clinic – Housing/property, employment, consumer/sale of goods and services, general contract/tort, problems with the police and welfare benefits/ social security law
BPP – clinics in Manchester, Leeds and London covering a variety of areas of law
Liverpool Law Clinic – offers family, immigration and SEND advice
Manchester Law Clinic – family, employment, mental incapacity, business, landlord & tenant, consumer
John Moores (Liverpool) Law Clinic – family, employment, civil, wills & administrative law
ULaw - clinics in Birmingham (employment), Bristol & Exeter (family law) , Chester (family, employment), Guilford (family, employment, lease), London(employment, family), Leeds (family, housing, employment), Liverpool (various areas), Manchester ( provides non-urgent written legal advice- consumer, employment, family and housing issues)
Mediation
Barrister Mediators – Bar Council List of Barrister Mediators
Chancery Mediation Scheme - Advocate and the Chancery Bar Association run a scheme where a volunteer barrister will act as a mediator for free in suitable Chancery and commercial cases
Civil Mediation Council – 07841 017905 - find a civil mediation service
Family Mediation Council – help with sorting arrangements for children and finance
Institute of Family Law Arbitrators – find an arbitrator
National Family Mediation – umbrella organisation – find your nearest provider of mediation services. 0300 4000 636
Resolution - Collaborative Law – general information about collaborative law and link to all ‘PODS’ providing collaborative law services
Resolution Accredited Mediators – help finding a law professional
National Mediation Providers Association (NMPA) – 0845 519 6901 – offers a cost effective way for parties to resolve their disputes without going to court
Solicitors and barristers
Legal Choices – provides information about whether you need a barrister or solicitor
Expert Help - ask a Solicitor a Question get an answer in minutes
Solicitors Regulatory Authority – find a Solicitor
The Law Society – find a Solicitor
Direct Access Barrister – find a Barrister
Solicitors Regulatory Authority – How to make a complaint about a Solicitor
Bar Standards Board – How to make a complaint about a barrister
Translating Services
Legal Translators – students explain complex legal concepts and procedures to clients in simple terms
Find out more about our application process.
See if you qualify to apply for help
Finding free legal help
from barristers
We are the pro bono charity of the Bar, supported by the Bar Council
Charity No: 1057620.
POSTAL ADDRESS ONLY: Advocate, International Dispute Resolution Centre 1 Paternoster Lane, St.Paul's, London, EC4M 7BQ. We are not open for physical visits at this time.
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