What is CLS/Public Funding?
Community Legal Services (CLS) funding is a government funded scheme to allow access to legal services for those who may not be able to afford it.
The money comes from the Community Legal Services Fund and is administered by the Legal Services Commission (LSC).
What type of Public Funding is available?
The LSC funds a range of legal services and includes the following for any civil matters:
Legal Help:
This service provides initial help and assistance from a solicitor for any legal problem and is ideal for individuals who are unsure whether they should pursue their issue or not.
This service usually involves solicitors sending letters on your behalf.
Help at Court:
This service allows a solicitor or advisor to speak on your behalf at certain court hearings, without the need to act for you throughout the whole proceedings. In order to have a solicitor represent you in this way,
you will need a 'Legal Representation Certificate' which will be applied for by the solicitor on your behalf.
Legal Representation:
This is the highest level of legal representation by a solicitor and is available in the following two forms:
- Investigative Help - The funding is limited to an initial investigation of the strength or merits of the claim and nothing else; and
- Full Representation - This funding allows the solicitor to represent you in legal proceedings and is not limited to either investigation of a claim or a court hearing.
Family Mediation:
This service is available for a family dispute through a process called mediation. The purpose of mediation is to try and reach an agreed settlement with the help of an independent mediator.
The CLS funding will provide legal advice and assistance if you are attending a mediation.
General Family Help:
This service is also available for a family dispute and includes assistance in resolving this dispute through negotiation,
initial legal help and possibly issuing proceedings and court representation (if required).
Can Any Solicitor Represent Me?
No. The solicitor that represents you must have a contract with the LSC to provide these services. However, we ensure that all of the solicitors on our panel have a contract with the LSC
so all solicitors that appear in the results section can offer you the above services.
What Areas are Covered by CLS Funding?
The following areas are all covered by CLS Funding on our website:
- Clinical Negligence;
- Crime (through the Criminal Defence Service);
- Debt;
- Family;
- Fraud;
- Property Disputes;
- Family Law (Divorce/Domestic Violence/Financial Arrangements/Children/Custody Arrangements);
- Judicial Review;
- Immigration Law;
- Education Law
To find out if you may qualify, simply select the area of law you require and answer the simple questions that follow.
CLICK HERE TO FIND A CLS FUNDED SOLICITOR