The Free Representation Unit (FRU) was founded in 1972 and is a registered charity. We provide legal advice, case preparation and advocacy in tribunal cases for those who could not otherwise obtain legal support, for want of personal means or public funding. To provide this service we train volunteer law students and legal professionals in the early stages of their career in the skills required to give confident and competent support for the rights of others. All FRU's representatives are volunteers who are trained by FRU and work under the supervision of our case workers.

FRU provides representation for:

• Cases in the employment tribunals (and appeals from decisions of the employment tribunals);
• Social security appeals in the first-tier tribunal (and appeals from such decisions);
• Criminal injury compensation cases in the first-tier tribunal (and appeals from such decisions) - please contact us for details;
• The Nottingham office handle only cases in the employment tribunals.

We can assist you only if:

• You have already commenced your case or appeal;
• Unless you are appealing from another tribunal decision, you have been given a hearing date; and
• Your case is referred to us by one of our referral agencies.  We cannot take referrals directly from a member of the public.