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 โ who, for what, how to find. Never pay for what should be free.
If your asylum claim lawyer left and the hearing is close โ 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: gov.uk/find-a-legal-adviser โ filter 'Immigration and Asylum' + your postcode.
Eligibility: low income test (your income + savings are checked). Most asylum seekers without work automatically pass.
What is important:
- Check upfront โ 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 โ Legal Aid pays the lawyer directly
2. Specialised charity lawyers
๐ 020 3716 0283 ยท ๐ง admin@asaproject.org
Only asylum support appeals (not the asylum claim itself). They win 63% of cases. Submission is usually through an advisor โ call Migrant Help, they will connect you to ASAP.
๐ 020 7456 9750 ยท ๐ง legal@biduk.org
Immigration bail, detention, Schedule 10. If you are detained or on bail and need legal help.
๐ 020 7251 8708 ยท ๐ง info@jcwi.org.uk
Strategic litigation + some individual cases. They take complex / precedent-setting cases.
๐ 0808 175 3499 (free, multilingual)
Not lawyers themselves, but they help find a local solicitor + general support.
๐ refugee-action.org.uk
Local advice services + advocacy. Especially strong in Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol.
๐ 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)
How to check: gov.uk/check-immigration-adviser
Warning: Many unregistered 'helpers' charge money and give bad advice. Always check registration first.
What to do if your lawyer leaves before the hearing
Step 1: Call ASAP / BID / Refugee Council today โ they may find a replacement or represent you urgently.
Step 2: If there is absolutely no option โ 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is free and what is paid?
Asylum claim โ Civil Legal Aid is free if eligible (low income test). Asylum support appeal โ ASAP is free. Schedule 10 โ Legal Aid if eligible or charity lawyers. General immigration (work, family visa) โ usually paid.
How to find a Legal Aid lawyer?
gov.uk/find-a-legal-adviser โ filter 'Immigration / Asylum' + your postcode. It will show solicitors who accept Legal Aid. Eligibility = income test (your income and savings).
What is the difference between ASAP, BID, JCWI?
ASAP โ only asylum support appeals (not the asylum claim itself). BID โ immigration bail and detention. JCWI โ strategic litigation, sometimes individual cases. All are free. Refugee Council and Refugee Action โ can help find a local lawyer.
What is IAA registration?
Immigration Advice Authority โ 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 โ Legal Aid should cover it. If the lawyer refuses to accept Legal Aid โ look for another. Do not pay for what should be free.
The lawyer left and the hearing is soon โ what to do?
Call ASAP / BID / Refugee Council today โ they may find a replacement or represent you urgently. If there is absolutely no option โ the Right to Remain Toolkit explains step by step how to represent yourself (litigant in person). It is difficult, but possible.