Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission (the Commission) is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB)sponsored by the Northern Ireland Court Service. The Northern Ireland Court Service (NICtS) was established as a separate civil service in Northern Ireland and is the Lord Chancellor's department in Northern Ireland.

The powers of the Commission are set out in Article 7 of the Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

The Commission will promote fair and equal access to justice in Northern Ireland in its provision of publicly funded legal services.

Our aim is to provide high quality, customer focused services that target those in greatest need and demonstrate value for money.

We fund lawyers and other advice providers:

- to help people who are eligible for legal aid to protect their rights in civil matters

- to help people who are under investigation, or facing criminal charges

Currently employing over 150 people, the Commission is going through a substantial period of change as it evolves into a structure which meets the needs of its internal and external stakeholders.