Free legal advice in Birmingham and West Midlands

Individuals that need help from legal specialists or clinics have options available to them. There are several resources and solicitors in the area that can help individuals on a low income. They include firms that provide free advice from specialists, referrals to government agencies, and other services. Some people that are low income or vulnerable may be able to receive the assistance at no cost to them.

Each centre or clinic in West Midlands will usually offer different types of aid. The assistance and information is only disbursed on scheduled days, and many of the specialists will require an appointment from the client. More information on the organisations to contact is below.

Housing issues, including for people facing homelessness, is coordinated by Shelter West Midlands Housing Aid Centre. Eligible individuals from the area can get free advice and information. The focus is on assisting with housing matters and problems. Examples of the issues covered by the centre include, but are not limited to, rent payment or mortgage arrears, help with applications for access to government housing benefit, and homelessness. Clients can also get help in obtaining private renting accommodations in West Midlands.

If the issue is complicated, then the specialists will do their best to address those problems. If it is more complicated, then referrals may be offered to other lawyers or legal assistance programmes.

There is a drop in service for clients too. Note the demand for help with housing and arrears on rent is high, so there may be a queue. Address is Gateway House, 50-53 High Street, Birmingham, B4 7SY, Call 0344 515 1800.

Free charity legal advice from Immigration Advisory Service deals with asylum and immigration law issues. The Birmingham Office covers the area of West Midlands. This also includes towns such as Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. The IAS and its staff can give people a free consultation. Other not-profit profit services are provided too. Address is Aspect Court, 4 Temple Row, Birmingham. Tenants or homeowners can call 0121 7187022 to speak to a specialist.

Nationwide Civil Legal Advice is also available in Birmingham. Clients of CLA can get free information and confidential advice on many matters, including housing, homelessness, debts, predatory lending and more. They also advise on immigration and other matters that are important in England. Telephone 0845 345 4 345.

StepChange Debt Charity is a regional organisation. This charity can provide free advice on debts and other unpaid bills. This can also include mortgages or rent too. They are a source for information on different security deposit or other schemes as well as government benefits. If needed, they can provide referrals to local solicitors. Wade House, Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8NG, Telephone number is 0800 138 1111. Call for referrals and to speak to a specialist.

The Birmingham Employment Advice Clinic is part of, and a key partner of, the University of Law Legal Advice Centre, and is often called BERAL. Those who are vulnerable and income qualified can get a free interview with a lawyer or specialist. They will advise you on employment issues, housing concerns, government benefits, and other programmes. There will be follow-up in writing done. The clinic is only on one day per week.

A telephone line to call for enquires is set up by BERAL as well, and this is more available. It can be ringed at 01483 216 050. The lawyers only handle work and employment legal issues. There is free information and advice given, mostly at some local clinics, so the caller may be referred to those centres. All of the assistance in West Midlands County is given by specialists and lawyers, including employment law solicitors so the quality is high. Most of them are volunteers, but are highly trained.

Non-emergency issues and enquires can be made to the Legal Advice Clinic. The centre will only deal with non-emergency issues. So this can include referrals, information on financial schemes for deposits, and other social services. They also provide signposting to individuals that need it. Please note that an appointment is needed and drop ins are not accepted, so this is not a crisis resources.

Some of the areas of law covered by the clinic include Wills and Probate, Family, Consumer, Employment, Free Eviction Defense, Housing, and they deal with Intellectual Property. They may have referrals to other programmes in Birmingham as well.