Welcome to the Legal Services Agency
The Legal Services Bill, which will replace the Legal Services Act 2000, was introduced into Parliament on 4 August 2010. The Legal Services Agency is implementing several changes within the existing legislative framework. These include expanding the Public Defence Service and changing the way that criminal cases are assigned to approved legal aid lawyers. The Bill introduces a new quality assurance framework to ensure that all legal aid providers have the skills to do the job assigned to them. The quality assurance framework aims to strengthen the current approval process, and introduce a requirement for regular re-approval, which is informed by monitoring of providers’ performance. Together, these initiatives will establish a system in which everyone can have confidence that legal aid expenditure is directed at quality legal services provided by competent providers. See further information about the changes here
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LawAccess
The Agency's searchable online catalogue of law-related information and resourcesLegal Aid Review Panel
An independent statutory tribunal that can review certain Agency decisionsCommunity Law Centres
Community law centres provide a mix of legal services tailored to their community’s needs. Please click here for community law centre contact details.
Legal aid is the government programme which pays a lawyer's fees if you cannot afford a lawyer to represent you. If you are granted legal aid, payment is made directly to an approved legal aid lawyer. There are different eligibility thresholds for legal aid, which may include some repayment.
Quicklinks
What is legal aid?Can I get legal aid?
Find a legal aid lawyer
Public Defence Service (PDS)
Review or challenge a legal aid decision
Latest news
The Legal Services Agency is responsible for helping people access justice, by funding legal aid, initial criminal legal services and community law centres, and producing law-related education and information. Education and information resources are available online or as publications.
Quicklinks
PublicationsFacts and figures
Media
Ordering resources
Legal services information
Latest news
This section is for lawyers and others who have been approved by the Agency to provide legal aid, and for lawyers and others who want to become listed providers. It includes information and resources to assist you to provide legal aid services, including forms and the online manual.
Quicklinks
FormsOnline Manual
Become a listed provider
Proceedings steps
General policies
Latest news
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