Most legal advice in the UK comes first from a solicitor, who can prepare wills, handle property purchases, draft contracts and represent clients in many courts. A barrister, instructed through a solicitor, specialises in advocacy in the higher courts and in giving expert opinions. In Scotland the senior advocate is called an advocate; in Northern Ireland the system is similar to England and Wales.
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Citizens Advice (formerly the Citizens Advice Bureau) is a network of charities offering free, confidential advice on legal, debt, benefits and housing problems. Law Centres provide free legal services in some areas. Legal aid — public funding to help with legal costs — is available for criminal cases and for some civil cases on means and merits tests.
You may be asked who provides free legal advice in the community (Citizens Advice), or what legal aid is.
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