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Who are we?
the people behind legal aid
The purpose of Aarhus Legal Aid is to ensure access to basic legal advice for everyone.
Who is Aarhus Legal Aid?
Aarhus Legal Aid has provided free legal aid and existed as an independent institution since 1935, making it the second oldest legal aid institution in Denmark. At the same time, with more than 5,000 annual inquiries, we are the second largest legal aid in Denmark.
As an independent institution, Legal Aid is independent of private and public interests. Legal Aid receives an annual operating grant from the Danish Civil Service Board.
The daily management is carried out by the Legal Aid's general manager and deputy manager, while the Board is responsible for major decisions regarding the daily work.
The legal personal advice is provided by our approximately 34 advisors, who provide voluntary and unpaid assistance to legal aid users. The advisors work in teams of two and are law students or legal professionals. The advice is provided under the supervision of a manager or supervisor. The advisors have a fixed weekly shift.
Our
Board
Adam Langwadt Christensen
cand.jur. (president)
Karen Thegen
Hans Henrik Edlund
KIRSTEN HASSING NIELSEN
Head of Aarhus Legal Aid
"At Aarhus Legal Aid, we offer impartial legal aid 5 days a week on almost all legal issues. Aarhus Legal Aid does not conduct cases in court, but we offer personal advice to all citizens who need quick and accessible help with everyday legal issues.
Legal advice within tenancy, employment, debt, family and inheritance law, immigration law, etc. is Retshjælpen's core task. But an important part of the core task is also to talk to people and help people further in the system who need more and more than just legal help. That is why we continue to work on developing legal advice with the goal that the people we meet in Retshjælpen always leave here with useful help to move forward in their situation.”
Our purpose
- To ensure access to basic legal advice for all citizens.
- To strengthen citizens' ability to handle legal problems themselves.
- To educate and develop competent lawyers in practical, citizen-oriented legal advice.
Values:
1. Available legal advice
2. Professionalism and responsibility
3. Volunteering and commitment
4. Respect and confidentiality
5. Independence and impartiality
6. Cooperation and development
Our core values
Aarhus Legal Aid's core values are aimed at our clients, employees and volunteer advisors. Fundamentally, it is important to us that we can offer legal advice that is helpful and accessible to our clients.
At the same time, it is important for us to be able to attract legal advisors who want to learn the legal profession in practice and gain solid experience in communicating with many different people.
Our history
Since 1935
Aarhus Legal Aid has a long history, spanning more than 80 years, of providing legal assistance to those who need it but do not have the means to pay for professional advice.
In 2010, legal aid celebrated its 75th anniversary, and an anniversary publication was published in which you can read more about the history of legal aid.
The journey of Aarhus Legal Aid began in 1935, when it was primarily run by lawyers who wanted to support the local community by offering free legal advice. Over the years, Aarhus Legal Aid has adapted to the changing needs of society and has developed into an important institution offering a wide range of legal aid.
From the beginning, Aarhus Legal Aid has focused on helping individuals with legal issues who would otherwise not have access to legal aid. This includes everything from advice on family law issues to help with debt and tenancy law cases. Legal Aid's ability to adapt and grow has ensured that it can continue to fulfill its purpose of ensuring justice and equal access to legal aid.
Over the years, Aarhus Legal Aid has also contributed to the development of Denmark's future lawyers by offering practical experience to law students. This has not only contributed to the students' education, but has also ensured that Legal Aid has had access to volunteers who are essential to providing free advice.
This model has proven to be sustainable and has contributed to creating a strong community around legal aid.
Aarhus Legal Aid has also faced challenges. Nevertheless, legal aid has managed to overcome these challenges through support from the local community and voluntary contributions. This support has been crucial in ensuring that Aarhus Legal Aid can continue to offer its services to those who need them most.
The future of Aarhus Legal Aid, the need for legal assistance continues to grow in step with the complexity of society. Our institution faces new challenges to navigate, but its fundamental mission of providing legal aid and promoting justice remains unchanged. With a continued focus on adaptation and innovation, Aarhus Legal Aid will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in the local community and in the lives it touches.
It is essential for good advice that our help is tailored to the client's needs.
The costs of operating the legal aid service amount to approximately DKK 2 million annually. The costs are covered by operating subsidies from the Danish Civil Service Board.
5.072
Number of inquiries in 2025
3.772
Of which personal inquiries
1.300
Of which by telephone
GDPR
Protection of your personal data
Aarhus Legal Aid is committed to protecting your personal data. We process your information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Danish legislation.
Read our full privacy policy to learn more about how we collect, use and protect your personal information.
We stand together with everyone
Our doors are open to everyone, regardless of background or need. We are particularly dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable in society, those who often have no other options for legal assistance.
We are here to help, whether your challenge is big or small, or if you feel overwhelmed by the situation you find yourself in.
- Read our annual report for 2025.
- Read our annual report for 2024.
- Read our annual report for 2023.