The Law Centre was established in 1990 to provide free legal advice and representation, and give access to justice to people who would not otherwise afford it.

It opened its doors without an employed solicitor and struggled in the early years to recruit a suitably qualified lawyer who was prepared to join the Law Centre full time.

In 1991, the Law Centre secured vital core funding from Carlisle City Council. It opened officially in new premises (then in Cecil Street).

By 1993, the Law Centre had secured grant support from Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council also came on board 1996.

1996 marked the beginning of a new way of delivering legal advice. The Law Centre was successful in a bid for a Lottery Grant totaling £292,000 to provide Britain's first mobile legal service. This allowed for a customised vehicle to be bought, taking legal services out to people who need them. This service was particularly useful in opening up access for rural communities.

Times have moved on and communication technology has improved. So the vehicle was mothballed in 2006. It remains the Law Centre's ambition to go county-wide and opportunities to extend our service are being examined together with district councils across the county and our partner agencies.