You can find information about an organisation's charges in the directory. All organisations within the Quality Mark should inform you of their charges when you first speak to them.

Legal Aid (also known as Community Legal Service Fund)

Legal Aid helps people who cannot afford legal services, as long as they meet certain conditions. You may be asked to pay some of the costs of your case. Your adviser will tell you more.

You can use the Legal Aid Calculator to see if you are eligible for legal aid.

Free services

Many organisations, such as Citizens Advice Bureaux and Law Centres, offer a free service. However, you may have to pay for some charges, such as photocopying, to cover the organisation's costs.

Free initial interview

Many organisations offer a set period (often 30 minutes) of initial free advice. For example, the Accident Line scheme offers a free initial interview with a solicitor for those who have suffered a personal injury because of an accident.

The CLS Legal Adviser Directory shows which solicitors belong to the Accident Line scheme. For more details of Accident Line you can call their free telephone helpline on 0500 192939.

Fixed-fee interview

Some solicitors offer an interview (generally of 30 minutes) for a fixed fee.

Solicitors' charges

Solicitors charge in different ways, including hourly rates, fixed fees and percentage fees. At the start of the case, the solicitor must tell you about the likely cost of the case and how the charge is calculated. Throughout your case the solicitor should tell you of the costs so far.

Pro Bono

Many lawyers offer some services free of charge; this is called ‘Pro Bono’. You can find more information on Pro Bono work on these websites:

• Solicitors Pro Bono Group (´LawWorks´ projects)
• Bar Pro Bono Unit (barristers)
• Free Representation Unit (immigration and employment)

Trade unions and motoring organisations

Trade unions and motoring organisations such as the AA and the RAC offer low-cost or free legal advice to members.

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