• About us
   
• About legal aid
   
• Community Legal Service (CLS)
   
• Criminal Defence Service (CDS)
   

We run the legal aid scheme in England and Wales

The Legal Services Commission (LSC) works in partnership with solicitors and not-for-profit organisations to help over 2 million people each year access legal advice, information and help.

Need legal advice?

For free, confidential and independent legal advice visit the Community Legal Advice website.

The LSC itself is unable to provide legal advice or information. Case-specific queries should be directed to your local office.

About us

Community Legal Service

• The Community Legal Service (CLS) is a network of organisations that funds, provides and promotes civil legal services. The CLS helps with problems such as family breakdown, debt and housing.

Criminal Defence Service

• The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) guarantees that people under police investigation or facing criminal charges get legal advice and representation.

Legal Services Commission

• Our vision is to make sure clients can access the help they need to address their legal problems.

What's new

• Update to 2010 standard crime contract
• Notices sent to providers to extend Civil and Crime contracts
• Press statement: Best Value Tendering
• Update on Best Value Tendering
• Tenders for 2010 standard crime contract
• Press release: Shaping the future of Very High Cost (Crime) Cases

Find out more...