There are 55 law centres, predominantly based in inner city areas. The most basic objective of the law centres is to provide access to lawyers and experienced legal advisers who have the expertise and skills needed to advise and represent clients on areas of law that mostly affect poorer sections of society. The term most frequently used to describe these areas of law is 'social welfare law'. Law centres offer direct services to the public as well as taking more complex cases that have been referred to them by local agencies or law firms. They also work with and support local community groups on legal issues, and have become innovative in providing cutting-edge services such as telephone advice schemes which have been taken up by other branches of the profession.
Most law centres receive grants from local authorities.
Nine receive some funding from the Legal Aid Board and may earn additional funds from the Legal Aid Fund. Present cost is approximately 8.5m. As with the Citizens Advice Bureaux, cuts to local government funding have led to some financial insecurity. Most staff at law centres give their time voluntarily. This can be interesting and rewarding work, particularly for those lawyers who otherwise spend their days far removed from the pressures, which the poorer sections of society face.