Ban No Win No Fee
Put consumers first. Ban misleading legal “no win, no fee” advertising.
We are calling for an end to misleading legal advertising and for better consumer protection.
People deserve clear information about what a claim could cost before they sign. We have seen how harmful it can be when they do not know.
False Promises
What can sit behind a “no win, no fee” promise?
False Promises film awaiting supply
Captions and transcript awaiting supply
Made in partnership with So-Motive
We want to prevent what happened in Burnley from happening again. Families in Burnley were told their claims would cost them nothing.
Families were encouraged to sign up to no-win-no-fee claims. When the law firm acting for them collapsed, they were chased for legal bills of up to £70,000.
Their experience shows why consumers need clear information about costs and risks before they sign.
The issue
Four words that promise there is nothing to lose.
The Burnley scandal raises questions that reach beyond one firm’s collapse. What do consumers understand when they see “no win, no fee”? Who explains the risks, and who carries them if things go wrong?
Consumers need an explanation of possible costs, not just a slogan. What they are rarely told is what happens if the claim fails. Or if the firm handling it goes bust.
“The government’s got to do more to protect [these] people. It’s not about making money for funders. It’s about making people feel that they can access a justice system that works for them.”
Our ask is simple
We are calling for a ban on the use of “no win, no fee” in advertising for consumer claims by law firms and claims management companies. Consumers must receive clear information about what they could pay, win or lose, before they agree to a claim. Advertising must inform, not substitute a reassuring slogan for an explanation of risk.
“Ban “no win, no fee” advertising. Replace the slogan with clear information about costs and risks, so people can make an informed choice about pursuing a claim.”
A Fair Civil Justice System needs to work for consumers
An advertising ban is just the starting point, not a complete solution to every risk.
We are also calling for stronger consumer protection when firms fail, and an end to cold calling and aggressive lead generation. For many households, that is where the claim begins. A call or a knock at the door. A question about their insulation, their damp or their repairs. A promise that it will cost them nothing.
Our manifesto for a fair civil justice system
We believe in justice that puts people first.
These principles guide our campaign to ban misleading “no win, no fee” advertising and protect a fair route to redress.
- A fair route to justice. Everyone with a genuine grievance deserves a fair route to redress – not necessarily litigation.
- Clear costs. Honest promises. People must know what they could pay, win or lose, before signing. Advertising must inform, not mislead.
- Clients come first. Legal advice and decisions must serve clients, not funders or marketers.
- Funding in the open. Responsible funding must support access to justice, with transparency, accountability and consumer protection.
- Protection when firms fail. Families must not be left carrying the risk when their firm collapses.
Get involved
Back the ban on “no win, no fee” advertising.
Back our call to ban “no win, no fee” advertising. Sign up to support the campaign and hear about its progress. You can also tell us if you represent an organisation or want to share your own experience. Sharing your story is optional. Any information you provide will be treated with discretion.
Supporters
A supporter who wants to back the campaign
Housing organisations
From a housing organisation, charity or advice service
Affected residents
Someone affected by a "no win, no fee" claim
Need support?
If you are facing a legal bill from a claim, or worried about one, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Get in touch with us at [email protected].