Legal aid lawyers in Cambridge
3 lawyers at 3 firms in Cambridge can take legal aid cases. Their phone numbers are below. Legal aid helps pay for a lawyer if you can't afford one.
Not sure where to start? Read what to do first below, or call the Ministry of Justice legal aid line on 0800 253 425 (free, weekdays 8am to 5pm).
What to do first
If you've been charged
- Apply for legal aid as soon as you're charged. Don't wait for your first day in court.
- On your first day in court, ask for the duty lawyer. It's free, and they can help you apply for legal aid.
- For most charges, the Ministry chooses your legal aid lawyer. For very serious charges (more than 10 years in prison), you can choose your own.
If it's a family matter
- Find a family legal aid lawyer first. Call a few from the list until one can take your case.
- Your lawyer helps you apply for legal aid. Bring details of your income, savings, debts and anything you own.
- Bring any letters or court papers about your case, and your partner's income details if you have a partner.
If it's a civil matter
- Civil legal aid can cover things like ACC, problems at work, money and housing disputes.
- Find a civil legal aid lawyer first. Fewer lawyers do this work, so start calling early.
- Your lawyer helps you apply for legal aid.
Legal aid in Cambridge at a glance
- 2 lawyers can take criminal legal aid cases, including moderately serious charges (level 2 of 4).
- 2 lawyers work as duty lawyers, the free help at court on your first day.
- 2 lawyers give free advice to people held by the police.
- 1 lawyer can take family legal aid cases.
- 1 lawyer can take civil legal aid cases, such as ACC or employment.
Free help near Cambridge
Free legal advice
Community Law Waikato
Hamilton office · 20 km from Cambridge
0800 529 482Free legal help from lawyers, for people who can't afford one. Contact details and clinics
Free advice and forms
CAB Cambridge
62 Alpha Street, Cambridge
In Cambridge
07 827 4855Walk in, call or email. They can help you understand forms and find the right service.
Duty lawyer
Te Awamutu District Court
Corner Roche and Walton Streets, Te Awamutu
19 km from Cambridge
0800 268 787This court sits only on some days. Its registry is at Hamilton District Court. On your court day, ask at reception for the duty lawyer.
Nearest by distance from the centre of Cambridge. Checked 5 October 2026. Offices sometimes move, so call before you go.
Legal aid lawyers in Cambridge, A to Z
Every lawyer the Ministry of Justice lists in Cambridge, grouped by firm. Call to check they can take your case.
Priority Law Ltd
(027) 29153451 legal aid lawyer
FamilyCivilShona Fraser
Sam Mcdonald Barrister
(022) 35572651 legal aid lawyer
Criminal · up to level 2 of 4Duty lawyerPolice station adviceSamuel James McDonald
Shayne Lawrey - Barrister
(021) 5219441 legal aid lawyer
Criminal · up to level 2 of 4Duty lawyerPolice station adviceShayne Mathew Lawrey
Verified with the Ministry of Justice legal aid list on 12 October 2026. Lawyer details are from the Ministry of Justice, used under CC BY 4.0. We group them by firm and town and add links to firm pages. The Ministry of Justice decides who gets legal aid; Find A Lawyer is not part of the Ministry. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Legal aid lawyers in nearby towns
All legal aid lawyers in Waikato →
Not sure who'll take your case?
Tell us your situation and we'll match you with a legal aid lawyer, free. Say in a few words what's happening, and that you need legal aid.