Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) is a dedicated network of three offices across Scotland, specializing in providing civil legal assistance to individuals facing a range of legal challenges. What sets CLAO apart is its commitment to improving access to justice through direct legal representation, referrals, and signposting, ensuring that eligible clients receive the support they need regardless of their location within its service areas.
CLAO operates with a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, focusing on high-quality legal advice and representation primarily through legal aid services. Their solicitors handle a varied caseload and are experienced in civil litigation, making them an essential resource for individuals in need of affordable and reliable legal support. The service is tailored for members of the public who meet eligibility criteria, particularly those in underserved or remote communities.
Services Offered
- Civil legal advice
- Legal representation
- Case assessment and eligibility checking
- Referrals to legal or advice providers
- Signposting to other sources of help
- Trauma-informed legal services
- Legal aid services
- Civil litigation
- Drop-in advice sessions
CLAO serves the Highland and Islands, Argyll and Bute, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and Edinburgh and the Lothians regions, ensuring broad coverage across Scotland. They are actively involved in promoting access to justice in island and rural communities, reinforcing their role as a key provider of civil legal assistance nationwide.
