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Legal Aid immigration lawyers UK — free help for migrants

Updated: May 2026 · data from LAA, SRA

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Legal Aid — free immigration help for those who cannot afford a lawyer. In the UK, Legal Aid for immigration matters is available to asylum seekers, children and victims of trafficking. Below are Legal Aid lawyers from the LAA (Legal Aid Agency) register, suitable for Russian-speaking migrants. Civil Legal Advice helpline: 0345 345 4 345.

In 2026 Legal Aid for immigration cases has significantly contracted — many solicitors have stopped accepting Legal Aid clients due to low rates. Below is current data from the LAA/SRA register. Always confirm Legal Aid availability directly before booking.

WILSON SOLICITORS LLP

Legal AidRecommendedImmigration
★ 4.9 (1832 Google)

LUQMANI THOMPSON LLP

Legal AidRecommendedImmigration
★ 4.8 (496 Google)

DUNCAN LEWIS SOLICITORS LTD

Legal AidRecommendedImmigration
★ 4.6 (5552 Google)

ELDER RAHIMI LIMITED

Legal AidRecommendedImmigration
★ 4.4 (208 Google)

BINDMANS LLP

Legal AidImmigration
★ 3.8 (226 Google)

IGOR & CO

Legal AidImmigration
★ 1 (2 Google)

Who is eligible for Legal Aid in immigration matters

  • Asylum seekers — people who have applied for asylum and their families
  • Children — unaccompanied minors
  • Victims of trafficking (human trafficking / modern slavery)
  • Domestic abuse — victims of domestic abuse in immigration cases
  • Detention — people held in immigration removal centres (IRC)

Skilled Worker, Family Visa, Student and most other categories are not covered by Legal Aid since 2013 (LASPO). Exceptions: Human Rights grounds or exceptional case funding. Legal Aid eligibility is decided by your circumstances and the case type — a solicitor can advise whether you qualify.

Frequently asked questions

What is Legal Aid for immigration in the UK?

Legal Aid is a government scheme providing free legal help for those who cannot afford it. For immigration cases, since 2013 (LASPO) it is available mainly for asylum seekers, children, victims of trafficking and people held in immigration detention. Ordinary visa cases (Skilled Worker, Family) are not covered. Legal Aid eligibility is decided by your circumstances and the case type.

How do I get Legal Aid for an immigration case?

Contact a Legal Aid solicitor from the list at gov.uk/find-legal-advice or call Civil Legal Advice on 0345 345 4 345. You will first go through a means test (income and assets check) and a merits test (whether your case has sufficient prospects). If eligible, the lawyer works at no charge to you. Book early — Legal Aid lawyers are scarce.

Are there Legal Aid lawyers who speak Russian?

Some Legal Aid providers have Russian-speaking staff — particularly in London (East London, Hackney, Southwark) and Manchester. Confirm the language when booking. If there is a language barrier, Legal Aid also covers an interpreter at hearings.

Is Legal Aid fully free for asylum seekers?

For most asylum seekers — yes, fully free after passing the means test. If you have significant assets or a high income there may be exceptions. Children and unaccompanied minors receive Legal Aid without a means test.

What should I do if I cannot find a Legal Aid lawyer?

Contact Law Centres Network (lawcentres.org.uk), JCWI (jcwi.org.uk), Migrant Help (migranthelpuk.org) or Citizens Advice. They can refer you or provide a free initial consultation. As a last resort, you can apply for Exceptional Case Funding directly through the LAA at gov.uk.