While CLCs are similar to other legal and advice agencies, and share many of the features of private practice solicitors and barristers who offer services in social welfare law, CLC remain distinctive.

Lawyers working in CLCs are subject to the same rules and ethics as lawyers who work in private practice firms/chambers. The difference though is that CLCs are not-for-profit organisations that seek to deliver efficient legal services on a sustainable basis.

Private practice lawyers are in commercial business, which only provides a service to those who can afford to pay for their professional services. Where and how they practice, and the areas of law they cover are determined purely by commercial considerations.

Traditionally, private practice lawyers have not developed expertise in the field of "social welfare law" whereas CLCs have. The number of private practice firms doing legal aid has dropped considerably in recent years as a result of which many people are prevented from taking legal advice because of fears of cost, lack of understanding of the complexities and changes in the law, or intimidation at the prospect of approaching "professional" agencies and government departments

CLCs are accessible. They provide a professional service but in a friendly and informal setting: staff composition usually reflects the local community so that local people feel confident in using the Centres.