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Legal Aid Agency Data Breach

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Legal Aid Agency Data Breach

The government’s Legal Aid Agency (LAA), an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) provides civil and criminal legal aid in England and Wales, suffered a data breach in April 2025. During the cyber-attack, a large amount of private information was stolen from their online system.

The data includes details of domestic abuse victims and people who have applied for legal aid through the digital service since 2010. According to the BBC, more than two million pieces of information were taken.

The breach could have severe and distressing consequences for those affected, including identity theft, fraud, emotional stress and potential risks to domestic abuse victims. If you have been affected, you could be entitled to compensation.

The hack was initially thought to affect only the services legal aid providers use to log their work and receive payments. It was later discovered that hackers had accessed a much larger amount of information relating to applicants.

The Legal Aid Agency and Ministry of Justice issued a joint statement confirming the attack and the data that may have been taken. They advised anyone who has applied for legal aid since 2010 to take precautions and remain alert for suspicious messages or calls.

Access to the system has been shut down and an investigation is underway.

Who has been affected by the Legal Aid Agency data breach?

The data breach appears to affect every part of the legal aid system, including domestic abuse cases, family law matters and criminal proceedings. The information taken dates back to 2010, meaning anyone who applied for legal aid since then could be at risk, potentially numbering hundreds of thousands.

Jane Harbottle, the Chief Executive of the Legal Aid Agency, offered an apology to those affected, acknowledging that the news would be distressing. It is not yet clear whether individuals impacted have been informed or when notifications will be issued. The Law Society has called on the Ministry of Justice to take immediate action and ensure all affected parties are notified individually.

To support those concerned, the Legal Aid Agency has set up a dedicated helpline for anyone who may have been affected by the breach.

There are also concerns that legal aid providers, including law firms, could have had sensitive financial information exposed, such as bank account details. Providers have been advised to monitor their accounts for any unusual activity.

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What data was taken in the Legal Aid Agency data breach?

The Ministry of Justice said that the data taken may have included:

  • Contact details
  • Addresses of applicants
  • Dates of birth
  • National ID numbers
  • Employment and financial data such as debts and payments
  • Criminal history

There is currently no indication that the stolen data has been published online or used for further malicious purposes. An injunction has been put in place to prevent the sharing of this information. However, given the sensitive nature of the data, those affected may face a heightened risk of identity theft or targeted fraud.

Legal aid is used by some of the most vulnerable people in society, including those experiencing domestic abuse, at risk of losing their homes or facing criminal charges. Because of the way applications are processed, the information accessed includes highly personal and sensitive details, covering both case-related and financial data.

Legal Aid Agency data breach?

Sarah Sackman, the Ministry of Justice minister responsible for the administration of legal aid, said the breach was possible because of long-standing weaknesses in the Legal Aid Agency’s IT systems, which had not been properly maintained.

Under UK data protection law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), all government departments and other organisations are required to keep personal information secure and implement safeguards to prevent unauthorised access. The Legal Aid Agency failed to meet these obligations, placing the data of hundreds of thousands of people at risk.

GDPR and data protection regulations allows individuals who suffer harm from a data breach, including emotional distress, financial loss or reputational damage to seek redress and claim compensation.

Anyone considering a claim should speak with a solicitor who specialises in data breaches. A specialist can provide advice and support throughout the process, helping to maximise the chance of a successful outcome.

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How we can help those who have been affected by the LAA data breach

Our team of specialist data breach solicitors have many years of experience managing data breach cases and fighting to get people the compensation they deserve. They have an in-depth understanding of the relevant laws and regulations to ensure you the best possible chance of gaining the compensation you deserve.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you determine if you can pursue a claim. We also take on claims on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay a penny upfront to start your claim.

If you are thinking of pursuing a claim against the Legal Aid Agency, get in touch with our team today.

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Get in contact by using one of our contact forms throughout the site.

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We will assess your case based on the information you provide.

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If you have a valid claim, we will accept your case on a No Win No Fee basis.

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You can contact Express Solicitors for a free consultation with no obligation, where we will take the time to understand your claim and offer clear, helpful guidance on your next steps.

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We can assist you on a no win, no fee basis, so you will only need to pay us if your claim is successful and compensation is awarded.

Client Communication

If your case is accepted, our team of Data Protection Solicitors will handle the process on your behalf and keep you informed at every stage.

Our Group Actions team

The Express Group Actions team has years of experience supporting clients with data breach, data protection and cybercrime claims against large organisations. We have been part of the biggest group action settlement in England and Wales in respect of a data breach. We understand the harm and distress that can result when your personal information is not handled properly or has been compromised. We are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Brian
Higgs

Partner - Head of Group Actions

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