header-logo header-logo

Pro pro bono

10 October 2014 / Ruth Daniel
Issue: 7625 / Categories: Opinion , Legal services , Profession
printer mail-detail
daniel

Ruth Daniel discusses how to provide access to justice for those most in need

Following the recent cuts in central and local government funding for free legal advice, the demand for pro bono has dramatically increased. In July 2014 the Bar Pro Bono Unit saw referrals increase by 51% compared with July 2013 and LawWorks have seen a 25% increase in cases at its clinics.

This increased demand creates a corresponding need for an increase in funding. Lawyers continue to offer their time for free, but without advice agencies such as Law Centres and clearing houses such as the Bar Pro Bono Unit, those lawyers would have nowhere to go.

The Access to Justice Foundation aims to improve access to justice for the most vulnerable in society, and works strategically to fund organisations which provide free legal help to those most in need. Following the devastating legal aid and other funding cuts, the Foundation has focused its resources on the provision of national infrastructure alongside ensuring services at front line organisations are

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll