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United Kingdom
Key definition
Legal aid definition

What does Legal aid mean? Publicly funded legal services providing free or subsidised legal advice, assistance and representation to eligible people in civil and criminal matters. The term is used in practice for statutory funding schemes rather than a single legal definition. In England and Wales, civil and criminal legal aid is governed by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and administered by the Legal Aid Agency; civil scope is limited, with Exceptional Case Funding available. Scotland’s regime is under the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986, administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, including advice and assistance, Assistance by Way of Representation...

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Compliance precedents for LAA SQM and Lexcel: templates and policies content map for law firms with legal aid contracts (England and Wales)

Practice notes
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If your organisation holds a Legal aid contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), you are required to hold either the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) or the Lexcel Practice Management Standard (Lexcel). This Practice Note highlights precedents you may adopt or tailor to meet SQM obligations within the scope of these two modules.

A: Access to service

A1: Business planning

  • Consumer strategic business plan
  • Commercial strategic business plan
  • Minutes from the biannual review of the business plan and strategy

A2: Service promotion

  • Publicity policy—for law firms
  • Publicity materials audit form—for law firms
  • Register of publicity
  • Client care manual

A3: Equality and diversity

  • Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policy—short form
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policy
  • Harassment and bullying policy

A4: Safeguarding

Safeguarding procedures are not included.

B: Seamless service

Signposting and referral procedures are not included...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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