access to justice and legal funding

Question 1

Help lines

Answer 1

Civil legal advice- government funded scheme providing phone advice for debt, housing, domestic abuse, family issues, discrimination etc

Question 2

Citizens advice bureaux

Answer 2

Free advice on variety of issues, typically social welfare and debt, provided legal advice to 2.5 million in 2014-15

Question 3

Law centres

Answer 3

Free, non-means tested legal advice to people in the area, sometimes offer representation, 44 In operation in 2016

Question 4

Trade unions

Answer 4

Offer their members free legal advice for all work related problems (eg p.i claims)

Question 5

Lawyer run schemes

Answer 5

Some solicitors offer free Half an hour interviews to understand case and offer advice, Bar Pro-Bono is a voluntary scheme of barristers who give advice to those that can’t afford or get legal aid, can represent free of charge

Question 6

Legal aid agency

Answer 6

Funding for criminal cases, makes contact with law firms to provide legal services, right to free legal advice if held as a suspect at police station, 24 hour scheme

Question 7

Interests of justice test

Answer 7

Must meet one of 5 criteria: liberty at risk, point of law, understanding, witness, interests of someone else: allows for free representation at court for a criminal case

Question 8

Funding in civil cases

Answer 8

LASPO 2012- unless case includes children’s rights, mental health or asylum claims

Question 9

Means testing in civil cases

Answer 9

Must show doesn’t have enough money for a lawyer, income and capital are considered

Question 10

Means testing in magistrates and crown courts

Answer 10

Disposable income (after living expenses) and disposable capital (any assets)

Question 11

Other ways to pay for civil

Answer 11

Own money, insurance, conditional fee agreements