Where to find a free lawyer
Most asylum lawyers work for free through Civil Legal Aid (if you have a low income) or specialised charities. On this page — who, for what, how to find. Never pay for what should be free.
If your asylum claim lawyer left and the hearing is close — call Refugee Council: 0808 175 3499. They will help find a replacement or give urgent advice.
Three sources of free help
1. Civil Legal Aid (through the government)
How to find one: gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser → search for solicitors through the Law Society who take Legal Aid.
Eligibility: low income test (your income + savings are checked). Most asylum seekers without work automatically pass.
What is important:
- Check upfront — do they accept Legal Aid specifically for your type of case
- The solicitor must be accredited by the Law Society (Immigration & Asylum panel)
- Do not pay anything yourself — Legal Aid pays the lawyer directly
2. Specialised charity lawyers
📞 020 3716 0283 (Mon, Wed, Fri 14:00–16:00) · 📧 admin@asaproject.org
Only asylum support appeals (not the asylum claim itself). They win 63% of cases. Submission is usually through an advisor — call Migrant Help, they will connect you to ASAP.
📞 020 7456 9750 · 📧 casework@biduk.org
Immigration bail, detention, Schedule 10. If you are detained or on bail and need legal help.
📞 020 7251 8708 · 📧 info@jcwi.org.uk
Strategic litigation + some individual cases. They take complex / precedent-setting cases.
📞 0808 175 3499 (free, multilingual)
Not lawyers themselves, but they help find a local solicitor + general support.
🌐 refugee-action.org.uk
Local advice services + advocacy. Especially strong in Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol.
🌐 righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/
Step-by-step guide to the UK asylum system. Free PDF. Not a lawyer, but helps you understand the process.
3. IAA-registered advisers (paid, but regulated)
Search: gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser (IAA Adviser Finder — the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner was renamed IAA).
Warning: Many unregistered 'helpers' charge money and give bad advice. Always check registration first.
What is free and what you pay for
| Type of case | Free? | Through whom |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum claim (initial) | ✓ If low income | Legal Aid solicitor |
| Asylum claim appeal | ✓ If low income | Legal Aid solicitor |
| Asylum support appeal (E09) | ✓ Always | ASAP |
| Schedule 10 (BAIL 409) | ✓ If eligible | Legal Aid + BID |
| Judicial Review (asylum) | ✓ If eligible | Legal Aid solicitor |
| Further submissions | ✓ If eligible | Legal Aid solicitor |
| Work / family / student visa | ✗ Paid | IAA adviser / solicitor |
| Citizenship application | ✗ Paid | IAA adviser / solicitor |
What to do if your lawyer leaves before the hearing
Step 1: Call ASAP / BID / Refugee Council today — they may find a replacement or represent you urgently.
Step 2: If there is absolutely no option — the Right to Remain Toolkit explains step by step how to represent yourself (litigant in person). It is difficult, but possible.
Step 3: Ask the Tribunal for an adjournment (postponement) to find a new lawyer. Explain the situation in writing.
⚠️ Warning signs — scammers
- Not registered with the IAA or SRA — ask for the registration number
- “I know someone at the Home Office” — this is always a lie
- Asks for a large payment up front, before any work starts
- Guarantees a positive outcome — nobody can guarantee that
- Works through Telegram or WhatsApp, with no office and no contract
- Takes your original documents (“so they do not get lost”)
- Will not give you a written contract
Frequently asked questions
What is free and what is paid?
Asylum claim — Civil Legal Aid is free if eligible (low income test). Asylum support appeal — ASAP is free. Schedule 10 — Legal Aid if eligible or charity lawyers. General immigration (work, family visa) — usually paid.
How to find a Legal Aid lawyer?
gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser — search for solicitors through the Law Society who take Legal Aid, or gov.uk/legal-aid/check-legal-aid to check if you qualify. Eligibility = an income test (your income and savings).
What is the difference between ASAP, BID, JCWI?
ASAP — only asylum support appeals (not the asylum claim itself). BID — immigration bail and detention. JCWI — strategic litigation, sometimes individual cases. All are free. Refugee Council and Refugee Action — can help find a local lawyer.
What is IAA registration?
Immigration Advice Authority — a government body that regulates immigration advisors. Anyone who gives immigration advice MUST be registered with the IAA or be a solicitor (SRA). An unregistered 'helper' is illegal and dangerous.
If a lawyer wants money for an asylum claim?
Check upfront: are they registered with the IAA or SRA? Do they accept Legal Aid? If you have a low income — Legal Aid should cover it. If the lawyer refuses to accept Legal Aid — look for another. Do not pay for what should be free.
The lawyer left and the hearing is soon — what to do?
Call ASAP / BID / Refugee Council today — they may find a replacement or represent you urgently. If there is absolutely no option — the Right to Remain Toolkit explains step by step how to represent yourself (litigant in person). It is difficult, but possible.