LawFriend Community Interest Company
Probate Solicitors
LawFriend Community Interest Company
100-102 Market St, Manchester
# LawFriend Community Interest Company
LawFriend is a Manchester-based Community Interest Company that addresses the critical gap in affordable legal assistance left by the decline of Legal Aid and community law centres. Founded in 2016 by Adrian Berkeley, this not-for-profit organisation provides accessible legal guidance to residents across the North West, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The organisation distinguishes itself by employing qualified, registered Solicitors and Barristers rather than untrained advisors. This credentials-led approach ensures clients receive genuinely professional legal counsel at a fraction of commercial rates. LawFriend operates on a flexible funding model, working within each client's budget constraints, with many services provided entirely free of charge and paid work costing less than a third of typical High Street solicitors' fees.
LawFriend serves individuals facing diverse legal challenges, from family disputes and child safeguarding concerns to employment issues, property transactions, and criminal injuries claims. Available through a 24/6 advice line (excluding Saturdays), the service prioritises accessibility and practical guidance.
What truly sets LawFriend apart is its commitment to social justice combined with professional competence. Unlike McKenzie Friends or unqualified advisors, clients benefit from genuinely qualified legal professionals delivering realistic, compassionate advice. The organisation is entirely funded through personal donations and the Distress Support Foundation, reinforcing its genuine not-for-profit status and community mission. Notably transparent about its regulatory position—explicitly not SRA-regulated—LawFriend maintains professional standards whilst operating outside traditional solicitor firm structures.
LawFriend is a Manchester-based Community Interest Company that addresses the critical gap in affordable legal assistance left by the decline of Legal Aid and community law centres. Founded in 2016 by Adrian Berkeley, this not-for-profit organisation provides accessible legal guidance to residents across the North West, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The organisation distinguishes itself by employing qualified, registered Solicitors and Barristers rather than untrained advisors. This credentials-led approach ensures clients receive genuinely professional legal counsel at a fraction of commercial rates. LawFriend operates on a flexible funding model, working within each client's budget constraints, with many services provided entirely free of charge and paid work costing less than a third of typical High Street solicitors' fees.
LawFriend serves individuals facing diverse legal challenges, from family disputes and child safeguarding concerns to employment issues, property transactions, and criminal injuries claims. Available through a 24/6 advice line (excluding Saturdays), the service prioritises accessibility and practical guidance.
What truly sets LawFriend apart is its commitment to social justice combined with professional competence. Unlike McKenzie Friends or unqualified advisors, clients benefit from genuinely qualified legal professionals delivering realistic, compassionate advice. The organisation is entirely funded through personal donations and the Distress Support Foundation, reinforcing its genuine not-for-profit status and community mission. Notably transparent about its regulatory position—explicitly not SRA-regulated—LawFriend maintains professional standards whilst operating outside traditional solicitor firm structures.
Services offered
Family problems and injunctionsChild and Social Services issuesWills and probateChange of namePersonal injury and accident claimsCriminal injuries compensationEmployment disputesResidential conveyancing