https://www.slab.org.uk/corporate-information/what-we-do/
https://www.slab.org.uk/corporate-information/what-we-do/
Legal aid is public funding that helps people deal with legal problems if they cannot afford to do so themselves. It can cover advice, representation in court, and support to resolve disputes. It helps individuals protect their rights and, more broadly, supports a fair society by upholding the rule of law.
Videos on legal aid - Scottish Legal Aid Board.
We manage the legal aid system in Scotland and ensure public funding is used properly and fairly.
We do not provide people with access to solicitors.
Established in 1987, SLAB’s core functions are to assess applications for legal aid and pay solicitors, advocates and other providers directly for work on approved cases. In civil cases, SLAB also collects any contributions due from individuals. Legal services themselves are mainly delivered by solicitors in private practice.
SLAB have a small number of solicitors employed by us in the Public Defence Solicitors’ Office for criminal cases and in the Civil Legal Assistance Office for civil cases.
Scottish Government is responsible for legal aid policy and strategy, including proposing changes to Parliament on eligibility rules and fees. SLAB is responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of the system and advises Ministers on its development.
Funding is demand-led, meaning support is provided based on need and eligibility. Through this role, SLAB helps ensure access to justice while managing public funds responsibly.
Private practice solicitors are paid on a case-by-case basis from the Legal Aid Fund. Employed solicitors are paid a salary as our employees.
You can find out more information on Scottish Government’s website: Legal aid – MyGov.Scot.
Our Corporate Objectives sit under three main themes:
This theme is about improving the quality, consistency and impact of the services that we are responsible for delivering. This includes clearer processes, better insights into customer needs and experiences, and a greater focus on simplicity, automation and data-driven decision-making.
Our people are our most valuable resource and key to delivering service. We will invest in development, wellbeing and leadership capability. We will also carry out workforce planning so that we have the right people in the right roles for the future.
We want everyone to be supported to ensure our people are equipped, adaptable, skilled in the right ways, and the best that they can be.
We are an organisation that believes strongly in the difference that legal aid funded services can make to people’s lives.
We will play an active role in shaping a modernised legal aid system. Working collaboratively with others, we will inform legal aid reform, contribute to wider justice system improvements, and ensure we remain a trusted expert voice.
Read our Corporate Plan and Business Plan to view our objectives for the next three years as well as our priorities for the current financial year.
Corporate and Business Plan page.
This governance and accountability framework document sets out the broad framework within which we operate and defines key roles and responsibilities which underpin the relationship between us and Scottish Government.
Our work is overseen by a Board, whose members are appointed by Scottish Ministers.
The Board comprises a Chair and 11 non‑executive members. It has overall responsibility for ensuring that effective systems of governance, risk management and internal control are in place, and for seeking assurance that these systems operate as intended throughout the year.
The Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 includes provisions of Board membership and management of SLAB business.
Read about the committees of the Board and their membership.
| File | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Framework document | 380 KB | |
| Standing Orders | 307 KB |