If you live in Scotland and need legal help, it can be daunting to approach a firm when you don’t know how much their services will cost you.
If you need legal support but don’t have the funds to pay for the representation you need, there are multiple routes you can take to get help with legal fees in Scotland.
In this guide, we’ll explain five ways to get help with legal fees so you can feel better about confidently approaching your case.
Let’s get started!
Before We Get Into It,
Before we launch into our list of ways to get help with legal fees, it’s important to mention that if you have any doubts or worries, it’s essential that you speak to a Scottish lawyer for information and advice.
A professional law firm will be able to explain how Scots law works for your specific situation and what your next steps should be to get help with fees.
Many agencies do various non-profit work, helping people who can’t afford fees alone. Depending on your specific case, this is a great place to begin.
However, you can find help with legal fees in several ways. Some of these include:
#1 Legal Aid
Legal Aid is a government-funded program that helps to provide financial assistance to individuals who may struggle to pay for legal advice or find adequate representation with their funds.
In Scotland, Legal Aid is managed by the Scottish Legal Aid board. It will be up to their discretion who receives the funding and how often it is given out.
To qualify for Legal Aid, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and be able to showcase that your case has a reasonable chance of success for them to decide to take it on.
#2 Law Centres
Law Centres are independent organisations that provide free not-for-profit legal advice and representation. In Scotland, several Law Centres offer services to the public. Most of these are based in big cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, but their services span a wider range of council areas.
#3 Pro Bono
‘Pro Bono’ is a legal term meaning ‘without charge’. Some solicitors in Scotland will offer pro bono legal services to clients who cannot afford to pay for their legal fees.
These services are provided on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the availability of pro bono solicitors. Only some firms will supply pro bono services, so it’s important to check with local solicitors first to see their pro bono availability.
Like legal Aid, you will stand a much better chance of getting pro bono help if you can demonstrate that the case will most likely be won in your favour.
#4 Trade Unions
If the legal case you’re dealing with pertains to your work, you may be able to seek free help via your union.
Many trade unions have legal departments that provide free legal advice and representation to their members. This is a great way to get the support specific to your case and further help people in your community by seeking justice in a legal setting.
#5 Not-For-Profit Organisations & Charities
A handful of excellent not-for-profit organisations and charities in Scotland offer high-quality legal services free of charge. This can be a great route for skilled care from individuals with a strong understanding of the legal system and various social issues that may affect you. Some examples of charities which offer free legal services in Scotland include:
These are popular choices for immigration and abuse cases in which social support and community understanding are very important.
These charities may also recommend support groups, community meetings and other activities to aid in personal support alongside your case.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help with Legal Fees
As we reach the end of this list, it’s important to mention that it’s important that you don’t feel any shame for asking for help with legal fees.
Most people will face some form of legal dispute at some point in their lives, and private lawyers are often an expense that the average person can’t pay out of pocket. No matter the type of case you’re dealing with – you deserve adequate representation and, if you require it, Legal Aid.
The justice system can be difficult to navigate, so having a professional on your side who understands your case is essential for ensuring you get everything you deserve from your case.
Remember that all of these organisations exist to offer judgement-free solutions to your legal issues. Never be afraid to seek help – it’s the first step in creating a brighter future for yourself!
