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Legal Aid Agency Data Breach – Important Information

Posted onMay 20, 2025

You may be aware of the recent data breach affecting the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), which has been reported by the Ministry of Justice. This breach relates to a cyber-attack on the LAA’s online digital systems and may involve the unauthorised access and downloading of personal data belonging to individuals who have applied for legal aid since 2010.

The affected data may include names, contact details, dates of birth, addresses, National Insurance numbers, and other sensitive information such as financial or legal case details.

What Does This Mean for Our Clients?

We understand that this news may be distressing, particularly for those who have previously received or applied for legal aid.

We would like to reassure our clients that this issue is entirely with the Legal Aid Agency’s own systems and not connected to Crane & Staples. Unfortunately, as we are not responsible for the LAA's systems, there is nothing we can do to assist with the breach itself.

If you are concerned that your personal information may have been affected, the LAA recommend the following steps:

Update passwords, especially if they are similar to those used in connection with your legal aid application.
Remain vigilant for any suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls.
Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone unless you are certain of their identity.
Report any suspected fraud to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk).

The Legal Aid Agency is currently working with the National Cyber Security Centre, the National Crime Agency, and the Information Commissioner’s Office to investigate the breach. If you need further information or have specific concerns, we recommend contacting the LAA directly via the contact details provided on their official announcement.

Crane & Staples – Continuing to Support You

Despite this incident, we want to assure our clients and the wider community that Crane & Staples continues to provide Legal Aid family law services.

We remain committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families through the legal aid system and will continue to do so with the utmost care and professionalism.

If you have any questions about your legal matter, please contact your solicitor at Crane & Staples. While we cannot assist with the data breach itself, we are here to help in any way we can regarding your ongoing legal support.

Author

Sian Churchill

Sian Churchill

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