Scotland’s Legal Aid Crisis
Scotland’s legal aid system is facing a severe crisis. The number of legal aid practitioners is steadily declining, threatening access to justice for the most vulnerable in society.
As of 2025, only 911 solicitors are registered for legal aid work in Scotland, down from 1,084 in 2020—a 16% decrease. Of these, 791 handled at least one criminal legal aid certificate last year, and only 608 applied for a summary legal aid certificate, essential for conducting trials. Alarmingly, over a third of legal aid lawyers are expected to retire within the next decade, with very few new entrants coming in to fill the gap.
The root of the problem lies in the financial pressures faced by those working within the system. According to The Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Aid Inquiry, legal aid fees have failed to keep up with inflation for years, and many practitioners are struggling to make legal aid work financially viable. The result is a mass of younger lawyers, who are choosing alternative legal careers that offer better pay and work-life balance.
The impact of this decline is being felt across the country. A recent example brought national attention when a woman seeking a divorce after experiencing domestic abuse had to contact 116 lawyers before finding someone willing to take on her case through legal aid. The situation is even more acute in rural and island communities—Orkney, for instance, had nine civil legal aid lawyers in 2000 and now has just one in 2025.
The Scottish Government acknowledges the need for reform, with plans to modernise the legal aid system before the 2026 elections. However, critics argue that these reforms are overdue and insufficient to address the immediate crisis. In response, The Law Society of Scotland is calling on the profession and the public to take action through its ‘Pledge Your Support’ campaign, aimed to create meaningful, long-term change for legal aid in Scotland. You can learn more and add your support here.
The decline in legal aid practitioners is more than a workforce issue—it is a justice issue. Without urgent intervention, Scotland risks leaving behind those who need the law most, simply because they cannot afford it.
At Cashroom, we understand the vital role legal aid plays in making justice accessible. We stand with our legal colleagues and remain committed to supporting the profession as it navigates these challenging times.
