header-logo header-logo

Save civil legal aid, says Law Society

11 June 2025
Issue: 8120 / Categories: Legal News , Legal aid focus , Family , Community care , Inquests , Mental health
printer mail-detail
The Law Society has launched a campaign for more investment in civil legal aid in family, community care, inquests, mental health and other areas

It welcomed proposed increases in legal aid for housing and immigration, consulted on in March, but called for more funding across the board. In particular, it urged the reinstatement of early legal advice for separating families, a fair means test for people on low incomes, and a guarantee that both sides in family cases involving allegations of abuse will get legal aid.

According to the Law Society’s Legal Needs Survey in 2023, 55% of adults with a domestic abuse issue received no legal support.

Law Society president Richard Atkinson said: ‘Civil legal aid is a crucial service that protects people and communities and reduces the strain on other public services.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
In NLJ this week, Ian Smith, emeritus professor at UEA, explores major developments in employment law from the Supreme Court and appellate courts
Writing in NLJ this week, Kamran Rehman and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper examine Operafund Eco-Invest SICAV plc v Spain, where the Commercial Court held that ICSID and Energy Charter Treaty awards cannot be assigned
back-to-top-scroll