Legal Aid Agency: Cyber Attacks ' Can You Still Access Legal Aid? (14 August 2025)

• Published date: 15 August 2025
• Subject Matter: Privacy, Technology, Data Protection, Security
• Law Firm: Duncan Lewis & Co Solicitors
• Author: Duncan Lewis & Co Solicitors

Months after the Legal Aid Agency confirmed that personal data belonging to hundreds of thousands of legal aid applicants in England and Wales ' dating back to 2010 ' was accessed and downloaded in a major cyber-attack, large parts of the system remain offline.

While services are rebuilt, some lawyers remain unable to access case records or submit bills, particularly in civil matters, what does this mean for clients now and in the future.

Child Care caseworker Nina Brinklow discusses the recent cyber-attacks and examines how the guidance has changed on making applications, since the LAA's online portal is inaccessible and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

What Is Legal Aid?

Legal Aid is a government-funded service designed to help people cover legal costs for advice, mediation, and representation in courts or tribunals. It supports those who may be vulnerable due to abuse, discrimination, forced marriage, or criminal allegations, ensuring that justice is accessible regardless of financial means.

More than free legal services, Legal Aid is a commitment to fairness and equality...