Welcome to Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS)

About NCLS

We are a registered charity dedicated to providing access to justice and equality in Norfolk.

We target our services at individuals and groups, particularly those who cannot afford access to justice and representation. This includes, for example, those with long term physical and/or mental ill-health, physical and sensory disabilities and/or learning difficulties, offenders, ex-offenders, migrant workers and others who are disadvantaged. The advice we offer is non-discriminatory and confidential.

Our funding comes from a range of grants, service level agreements and donations – more information can be found in our latest Impact Report which is available here. 

Our Services

We provide the following services which are all free, independent and confidential. Please click on the links for more information and contact details.

  • Free Legal Advice 15 minutes free initial telephone advice with a solicitor on employment, family & general issues. 
  • Debt Advice for vulnerable people and those with complex needs
  • Welfare Benefits Advice and representation at Tribunal
  • Legal Advice for Victims of Domestic Abuse
  • Immigration Advice on residence in the UK and help with Home Office applications. We can also offer help with challenging Welfare Benefits Habitual Residence decisions.
    Help For Ukrainians
    The UK Government has announced concessions to allow Ukrainians to join family members in the UK. These applications are free of charge. NCLS are offering priority advice for these applications and will guide you through the whole process. Please contact the Immigration Advice Service, immigration@ncls.co.uk or call: 01603 851247. All our services are free. 
  • Family Court Support for private law child contact matters
  • Discrimination Advice
  • Rent Arrears Mediation for Norwich City Council (NCC) housing tenants. This service is accessed by referral from NCC only

Our Client Service Standards, which detail what you can expect from us, can be found here. 

Interpreters are available for all our services by arrangement. 

Please note NCLS is not responsible for the content of external sites directed to from our webpage. 

Free Legal Advice client

“Excellent service, so pleased I came to see you. Service, advice and staff all so useful and you’ve helped me massively. Thank you.”

Welfare Rights client

“Very impressed with the speed and efficiency of the help you gave me. The support was invaluable to me at a time when I felt unable to support myself with my appeal. “

Family Court Support Service Client

“I was so worried about things alone and felt amazed when I was approached at Court. Couldn’t have wished for anything better. Thank you”

Debt Client

“Yes a big thank you to all of the team at NCLS for your help I feel like a weight has been lifted. Thank you!”

Migrant Worker Client

“A great service that is easy to access and very valuable advice in complex legal situation that also changes regularly. Person delivered service much appreciated.”