There is not a simple answer to your question.
It depends on a number of factors: is it a civil or criminal matter? How serious is it? What are your personal circumstances/commitments in terms of dependants etc.
For simple matters you can see a duty solicitor free at court.
There is no harm in applying if in doubt.
Thankyou for your answer Vesper99 :-)
I was billed wrongly by my phone supplier and am going through the proper complaints procedure now as I have not got my money back , even after nearly 3 months of trying. I was wondering if I should get advice from a solicitor to ask if I should continue to get it back.
I guess then that this is a civil matter is it ? :-)