General Legal Advice
Citizens Advice Bureaux delivers advice services from over 3,500 community locations in England and Wales, run by 382 individual charities. They provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities, including problems with debt, benefits, employment, housing, discrimination, and many more issues. Advice is available to everyone.
Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau
The Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau provides a service to people who are unfamiliar with court proceedings and cannot afford a solicitor. The service helps people to manoeuvre the court system and comply with court rules. The service also provides free and independent legal advice in relation to family law issues, civil claims, miscarriages of justice and bankruptcy if you have a case in the Court of Appeal, the High Court and County Court or Family Court in England and Wales.
Law Centres offer legal advice, casework and representation to individuals and groups within the community. All law centres specialise in social welfare law and may also have expertise in other areas.
The LawWorks Clinics Network is a nationwide network of free legal advice sessions which LawWorks supports. Clinics provide free initial advice to individuals on various areas of law including social welfare issues, employment law, housing matters and consumer disputes.
The University of Law provides free legal advice across Birmingham and the Midlands, Bristol and the South West, Chester and the North West, Guildford and the South East, London, Leeds and the North. The University offers information, advice and assistance on divorce and separation proceedings, employment law, and housing issues.
Toynbee Hall is a charity that provides free advice to individuals in relation to employment rights, criminal injury claims, criminal law, civil liberties, civil claims, housing, consumer and debt, as well as immigration law. The service also assists with family issues such as forced marriage and domestic violence.
Housing
Shelter is a charity that works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing. Shelter provides free, confidential advice to people with all kinds of housing problems through its online housing information and face-to-face local services.
Debt
Step Change is a charity specialising in providing expert advice and assistance in dealing specifically with debt issues. They provide free independent debt advice and practical solutions to suit your circumstances.
Family
National Family Mediation Service
The National Family Mediation Service provides assistance to families in conflict. They are able to provide help for people who are going through issues such as divorce and separation. The National Family Mediation Service can also assist families to resolve issues such as child contact as a result of divorce and separation.
Employment
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
ACAS is an organisation that provide employers and employees with information and advice to prevent and resolve conflict at work. ACAS operate both an online service as well and a helpline, and provide guidance as to what steps you need to take in dealing with problems in the workplace.
Equality and Human Rights
Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)
ESSA provides free advice and information on an individual’s rights of equality and general human rights across England, Scotland and Wales. Their aims are to help support individuals in finding solutions to their issues through alternative informal dispute resolution.
Liberty gives advice to members of the public on human rights issues.
Rights of Women is a charity which provides legal advice and information for women in relation to family law, criminal law, domestic violence, immigration and asylum law.
Mental Health
Rethink Mental Illness is an England-based charity focused on providing information and support on mental health issues, including relevant laws and advocacy assistance. They also have a helpline.