The Legal Aid Board is an independent, publicly-funded organisation providing civil legal aid and advice, family mediation services, and administering three ad-hoc legal aid schemes connected with criminal matters.

 

It was established by the Oireachtas under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 to provide civil legal aid and advice to persons unable to afford a solicitor. Since 2011 it has also provided family mediation services.

 

Its mission is "to facilitate the effective resolution of civil disputes through the delivery of efficient and accessible legal aid and mediation services and to effectively manage and administer the State’s criminal legal aid schemes".

 

The Board consists of a chairperson and twelve other members. They are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality and have a five-year term of office.

 

The Legal Aid Board has a Chief Executive and approximately 450 staff in 48 offices across the country.