Business Details
10 Years
experience
Affordable Legal Advice in Manchester
LawFriend C.I.C. was established in 2016 to address the critical gap in accessible legal advice following the reduction of legal aid and closure of community law centres. Our mission focuses on delivering affordable, high-quality legal support through qualified solicitors and barristers, prioritising clients' financial circumstances. With over two decades of experience in legal aid practices, our founder Adrian Berkeley combines traditional legal expertise with innovative approaches to client care. We operate as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, funded by charitable donations and committed to social justice. Our services span family law, personal injury claims, employment disputes, housing matters, and more, serving residents across the North West.By maintaining transparent pricing and flexible funding options, we ensure legal assistance remains accessible to all. Our team's extensive qualifications, including specialisations in litigation tactics and trauma-informed practices, enable us to navigate complex legal systems effectively. We distinguish ourselves through a client-centred approach that balances professional rigour with compassionate support. As a non-regulated entity, we offer unique flexibility while maintaining strict ethical standards. Our partnership with Distress Support Foundation underscores our commitment to community welfare and accessible justice.
Services
Legal Advice
Family Problems
Injunctions
Child/Social Services
Accidents/PI Claims
Criminal Injuries
Employment
Moving House
Change of Name
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer free or low-cost legal advice from qualified solicitors and barristers
- Our team has over 25 years of experience in legal aid practices
- We provide assistance tailored to clients' financial abilities
- We are supported by the Distress Support Foundation charity
- We offer 24/6 legal advice line (excluding Saturdays)
What people say
Supportive and professional
Great understanding of legal process
Exemplary availability
True friend in difficult times
Highly recommend
Services
Legal Advice
Our legal advice service provides accessible guidance across multiple practice areas. Qualified solicitors and barristers deliver tailored solutions within clients' financial means. We specialise in making complex legal processes understandable and navigable for individuals facing challenging circumstances.
Family Problems
We offer specialist support for family law matters including custody disputes, relationship breakdowns, and child protection issues. Our trauma-informed approach combines legal expertise with compassionate guidance to help clients navigate emotionally challenging situations effectively.
Employment
Our employment law service addresses workplace disputes, unfair dismissal claims, and contractual issues. We provide practical advice to help clients understand their rights and achieve fair outcomes through negotiation or formal proceedings when necessary.
Accidents/PI Claims
We assist with personal injury claims arising from accidents, medical negligence, or workplace incidents. Our team helps clients seek compensation while managing the legal complexities, ensuring they receive appropriate support during recovery.
Moving House
Our property law service supports clients through residential conveyancing processes. We provide clear guidance on legal requirements, contracts, and ownership transfers to ensure smooth property transactions while maintaining cost transparency.
People
Adrian Berkeley
Founder & Senior Legal Advisor
Qualified solicitor since 1993 with extensive legal aid experience. Founded LawFriend C.I.C. in 2016 after running his own practice. Specialises in litigation tactics, trauma-informed legal support, and accessible justice initiatives.
Questions
What legal services do you offer?
We provide family law advice, personal injury claims, employment law support, housing matters, and name change assistance through qualified legal professionals.
How are you different from traditional law firms?
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, we prioritise accessibility over profit, offering flexible pricing and working within clients' financial means while maintaining professional standards.
Are your services regulated?
We are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority but maintain strict ethical standards through our partnership with Distress Support Foundation charity.
Do you offer emergency legal support?
Our 24/6 advice line (excluding Saturdays) provides urgent guidance, though we cannot guarantee immediate court interventions or out-of-hours document processing.
How are you funded?
We operate through client contributions matched to their financial capacity, supported by donations and funding from the Distress Support Foundation charity.
