Future funding
The challenges facing access to justice are too big and too complex for any single organisation to solve alone. We bring unique expertise to the table and we’re committed to combining this work with other funders, partners, and communities to build a stronger, more just society for everyone.
Through innovation, collaboration, and shared learning, we’re committed to increasing free legal support, advice, and representation, and working with funders across the sector to strengthen support for those who need it most and create a fairer, more resilient justice system for the future.
Work with us to create a sustainable future for justice
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Collective Actions
Making good use of undistributed damages from opt-out collective actions to support access to justice
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Social Justice Funders Group
A place for funders to work together to maximise impact
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Support us
Help us improve lives and deliver justice
Innovative funding for free legal advice
Since 2008, we’ve pioneered creative funding methods like Pro Bono Costs Orders to help more people resolve their social welfare legal problems. During this time, we’ve witnessed massive cuts to traditional funding, the rise of digital solutions, a global pandemic, and unprecedented demand driven by the cost-of-living crisis.
While we continue advocating for increased government investment, some of the most effective funding solutions already work successfully in other countries. These approaches remain underutilised in the UK despite their enormous potential.
What are the options?
When collective actions cases conclude, undistributed damages can come to the Access to Justice Foundation for distribution to charities across the UK. We’re bringing stakeholders together to maximise the impact of these funds through transparent and collaborative distribution processes.
Interest on Lawyer Client Accounts (ILCA) (also known as Interest on Lawyer Trust Account or IOLTA) schemes pool small amounts of interest generated from client funds held briefly by law firms. In 2020, US IOLTA funds exceeded $175 million, supporting free legal advice and education initiatives nationwide.
These schemes operate successfully in every US state, as well as Canada, Australia, and other countries. We want to thoroughly consider the range of possible IOLTA models and understand how they could work in the UK context.
In 2023 a proposal to establish a National Legal Service included calls for both increased legal aid funding and a levy on the legal profession. Other options include court fee levies, contributions from wealthy litigants, and strategic use of the apprenticeship levy.
Expanded legal expenses insurance offers another option. In Canada, public legal expenses insurance proposals could transform access to justice for thousands of people.
Law firms can donate Residual Client Balances (funds that have remained dormant in accounts) to charities focused on access to justice. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has the power to change rules around these donations, potentially directing these funds and other resources like professional fines toward access to justice initiatives.
To implement solutions that work for us, we need a clear understanding of available options and how they might function in our legal system.
To address this, we’re partnering on research into additional funding models with the Centre For Socio-Legal Studies, and the University of Surrey, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.
Developing an evidence led approach
We’re a partner on the Mixed Funding Models for Free and Early Legal Advice research project, bringing together legal and advice sector partners to explore successful funding models from around the world and exploring how to adapt them for UK free legal advice services.
Our founding purpose
We’re the natural home for funding generated from additional funding sources. We have the experience, relationships, and track record to ensure these funds reach the communities that need them most. Established for this purpose, our collaborative approach means we work with funders, legal professionals, and advice organisations to develop solutions that work for everyone. We understand the legal landscape, the regulatory environment, and the practical challenges of implementing new funding models.
Convening and collaborating with funders
We know that lasting change happens when we combine evidence with collaboration. That’s why we facilitate the Social Justice Funders Group, enabling us to work alongside other experts, pooling resources and knowledge to make every pound count toward creating real impact.
By working together, we can create systemic change that no single organisation could achieve alone. By partnering with us, you’ll help build a justice system where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access the legal support they need.
Social Justice Funders Group
Whether you fund climate action, or gender justice, support for migrants and asylum seekers, or social change infrastructure you’re a social justice funder. Join the Social Justice Funders Group to connect with other funders supporting communities across the UK fighting for justice.
