The scale of the crisis in legally aided advice in Wales is graphically illustrated by the latest report from a charity providing volunteer advice clinics. LawWorks Cymru’s Impact Report 2024-25, shows that 3,400 enquiries were made to its network in 2024, an 81% increase since 2020.
In 2024, LawWorks Cymru's volunteers supported 1,704 people and referred 1,028 enquiries out.
In the report's introduction, LawWorks chief executive Rebecca Wilkinson, states: ‘Across Wales, many communities now live in what are known as legal aid deserts, areas where people struggle to find the legal advice they need. When problems arise around housing, employment, family life or welfare, too many people are left without clear guidance or support.’
In 2024, LawWorks Cymru had 484 volunteers, an increase from just under 300 in 2022, and supported 20 independent legal advice clinics across the charity’s network.
‘Pro bono volunteering has not traditionally been viewed as a priority’ in Wales, the report noted adding that ‘no clear pro bono culture had developed in the region prior to LawWorks’ work there’.
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The charity’s work in supporting small not-for-profit organisations facing legal issues has seen a ‘significant rise in demand’ in Wales. The report states: ‘In 2024, most applications came from community and disability charities, with legal issues often relating to property disputes or premises. By 2025 the range had become more diverse, including village halls, sports clubs, Scout associations, food banks and charities with an environmental focus. Property matters remained common, alongside a growing demand for support with litigation and dispute resolution.
’The impact of supporting these organisations extends far beyond the charities themselves. The 16 Welsh charities supported through the programme in 2024 collectively helped over 10,630 people that year. In 2025, the organisations that received support from the programme reached more than 120,000 beneficiaries across their communities.’
The issue of advice deserts in Wales - exacerbated by the country's geography - has repeatedly been raised by the Law Society. Jonathan Davies, the Society's head of Wales, said LawWorks' findings 'reflect what we are seeing across Wales, demand for legal support is increasing while access is becoming more uneven, particularly in areas already at risk of legal deserts.
‘Large parts of Wales are already seeing the impact, with too many people unable to access legal advice or representation when they need it,' he said. 'This is particularly evident in rural and disadvantaged communities, which could lose up to 30% of their solicitors by 2030 if current trends continue. Nearly three quarters of people in Wales have experienced a legal issue, yet many still struggle to find help. Addressing this will require practical action, including expanding digital services and strengthening the pipeline into the profession.
The Society is calling on the next Welsh government to introduce a fully funded legal Level 7 apprenticeship programme to help build a sustainable workforce and support firms to grow and retain local talent, Davies said. 'This is reflected in the manifesto commitments of both Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour.’
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