Legal Aid Agency
Data Breach Claim
In a major cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency's digital systems, hackers accessed highly sensitive information about legal aid applicants. If you were involved in a legal aid application between January 2007 and 16 May 2025, your personal data may have been exposed.
Key Information
Applications Affected
Jan 2007 – May 2025
18+ years of records
Breach Confirmed
19 May 2025
Ministry of Justice
Data Exposed
Highly Sensitive
Personal & financial
What Happened in the Legal Aid Agency Data Breach?
On 19 May 2025, the Legal Aid Agency, part of the Ministry of Justice, confirmed a major cyber-attack on its online digital services. Investigations show that attackers accessed and downloaded a large volume of personal data.
18+
Years of Records
The information exposed is highly sensitive - names, contact details, addresses, dates of birth, national insurance numbers, employment status, financial records, criminal history and details about legal proceedings were potentially compromised.
This includes people involved in criminal, family or civil matters and their partners or associates. Our Data Breach Team at Bingham Long is investigating compensation claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
In this incident, it is believed the Legal Aid Agency breach remained hidden for 4 months, giving the attackers space to collect sensitive legal aid data. That time can drive up the impact for individuals because more records are exposed and more convincing scams can be generated later.
“The breach remained hidden for months, potentially allowing criminals extended access to victims' sensitive information.” - Law Gazette, October 2025
Who might be eligible
Legal Aid applications submitted between 1 January 2007 and 16 May 2025 remain in scope.
Data at risk
Names, contact details, financial information and, for some, criminal or special-category records.
Why it matters
Data exposure can lead to identity fraud, harassment or distress, especially for vulnerable claimants.
Who Can Join the Claim?
If you believe you fall under any of these categories, you may be eligible for compensation through our group litigation claim.
Anyone who applied, or were involved in an application, for legal aid from 1 January 2007 to 16 May 2025.
People contacted by the Legal Aid Agency or Ministry of Justice about the cyber-attack or a possible data breach.
Those who have suffered distress, anxiety or inconvenience because their sensitive information may have been exposed - even if no fraud has occurred.
Partners or family members whose details were included as part of a legal aid application may also have been compromised.
We charge nothing upfront. The success fee is taken from compensation only if the claim succeeds.
The Sign Up Process Explained
We've made joining the claim as simple as possible. Here's what to expect at each stage of the process.
Check Your Eligibility
Complete our short eligibility check. We'll ask a few questions to confirm whether you may have been affected by the Legal Aid Agency data breach. This step is quick and there is no obligation.
Submit Your Details
If you appear eligible, you'll be asked to submit some basic details so we can review your position more closely and assess your potential claim.
Sign Your Documents
You'll receive access to our secure client portal where you can sign your retainer documents electronically. Everything is explained clearly before you sign.
We Progress Your Claim
After onboarding, we take care of progressing the claim on your behalf. We'll keep you informed throughout the process and handle all the legal work.
What You Should Know Before Signing Up
- There are no upfront legal fees - we operate on a No Win, No Fee basis
- You can ask questions at any stage of the process
- Joining the process does not guarantee compensation, but allows your claim to be considered
Explore the Legal Aid Data Breach Guides
Use the guides below to understand the breach, protect yourself, and prepare the information that helps us progress your claim.
What Data Was Exposed
Understand which categories of sensitive data were involved.
Protect Yourself
Practical steps to reduce fraud and scam risk after the breach.
No Win, No Fee
How the funding arrangement works and what to expect.
Group Litigation
How collective breach claims work and what participation means.
Eligibility & Evidence
Checklist of the details and documents that help your claim.
Detection Delay
Why dwell time matters and how it affects breach impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Legal Aid Agency data breach and our claims process. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Latest Coverage & Breach Updates
Key sources covering the Legal Aid Agency incident, official guidance, and independent reporting.
Official Government & Guidance
Official statement on the cyber-attack and what was accessed.
Government page with latest updates and contingency measures.
News & Analysis
Impact on legal aid providers and calls for action.
Updated reporting on extent of the breach and portal disruption.
Follow-up reporting on intrusion timeline and scope.
UK news on the scale and potential risks.
Cybersecurity-focused analysis and risk guidance.
Additional Coverage
Timeline of discovery and data exposed.
Breakdown of the incident and security risk implications.
Ready to Start Your Claim?
Don't wait to take action. Check your eligibility today and let our experienced Data Breach Team help you seek the compensation you deserve.