Home

The Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) is a network of three offices in Scotland that helps people with civil legal problems

Our solicitors can provide advice and representation to people with particular types of civil legal problems.

We cover Highland and Islands, Argyll and Bute, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and Edinburgh and the Lothians.

How can the Civil Legal Assistance Office help you?

If you are a member of the public and are eligible for the service then we can try to assist by:

Taking on your case directly
Referring you to a suitable legal or advice provider
Signposting you to other sources of help

Find out if we can help you

See what happens when you contact CLAO
Check if you are eligible for legal assistance
Use our three-step checker to see if your case is one we can help with

CLAO map

Visiting our offices and contacting your solicitor

Please see our update for full details on how we are delivering our services

Latest News

Vacancies

Vacancy: Secretarial Administrator – Inverness

17 November 2025

Looking for an exciting administrative role in the legal sector? Join our Inverness office on a fixed term contract – apply before Sunday 30 November deadline.

Vacancies

Vacancy: Solicitor – Edinburgh

7 November 2025

We’re looking for a committed Solicitor to join us & handle a varied legal aid caseload, delivering high-quality, trauma-informed legal advice & representation.

Vacancies

Vacancy: Administrative Officer - Edinburgh

30 October 2025

We’re looking for an organised & proactive administrator on a fixed-term contract to ensure smooth & efficient business support. Deadline 16 November.

Vacancies

Vacancy: Solicitor – Aberdeen

24 October 2025

An excellent opportunity for anyone who excels at civil litigation to help shape how we deliver impactful legal services & promote access to justice.

General

Issues with phone system resolved

29 September 2025

The earlier issues with our phone system have been traced and resolved

General

Solicitor advice drop-in sessions at Stornoway CAB

24 July 2025

Our Senior Solicitor is visiting Stornoway Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 August to provide drop-in sessions & discuss access to legal services in Island communities.