Evaluation of Advice Agencies

• What is the most useful agency for legal advice?

  CAB
• What type of cases does CAB deal with?

  Limited areas of law affecting vulnerable people
• What does CAB do if a case needs to go to court?

  Refers to solicitors for advice only
• What is a major issue faced by law centres?

  Lack of funding and limited number of centres
• Who do trade unions provide advice and representation to?

  Their own members
• What is the limitation of solicitors' schemes?

  Only short sessions of free advice
• How has the reduction of legal aid affected solicitors' schemes?

  Fewer cases qualify for legal help
• What does the Bar Pro Bono Unit offer?

  Advice and representation on any area of law
• Where is the Bar Pro Bono Unit available?

  Only in London
• What are the main features of Civil Legal Advice?

  • Government run
  • Operates in about 2,500 locations
  • Funding cuts have reduced numbers
  • Offers free legal advice
• How many calls does the LAA Help line receive each year?

  Nearly 160,000 calls
• How many people does the LAA Help line provide advice to annually?

  About 2.5 million people
• What type of areas do the LAA Help line operate in?

  Disadvantaged areas
• What issues do trade unions usually cover?

  Work-related issues and personal injury cases
• What is the duration of the free interview offered by solicitors?

  Half an hour
• What is a limitation of the free half-hour advice from solicitors?

  Not helpful for complicated matters