The Law Society is to launch a telephone helpline next week which will direct small independent shopkeepers and other victims of the recent riots to pro bono legal advice.
The Society will be working in collaboration with participating law firms and pro bono legal advice charity LawWorks to deliver expert legal advice to individuals and business owners in affected communities across England. A full-time caseworker will be funded to operate out of the National Pro Bono Centre in central London to manage calls, take details, make referrals where necessary and place cases.
The Law Society will coordinate promotion of the helpline, and is calling on the legal profession to provide pro bono assistance to help meet the huge demand.
Society president John Wotton said: ‘We have already seen how a collaborative effort of this kind proved extremely valuable for the victims in the wake of the London bombings.
‘This helpline demonstrates the legal profession’s shared commitment to justice and social responsibility.
‘We have acted quickly to provide practical help to those who are the victims of lawlessness.
‘Over the coming months, the victims will need legal advice on insurance, contract law and a host of other issues.
‘It is vitally important that people who need practical help to get their businesses or personal lives back on track in these very difficult circumstances should have a quick route to specialist advice.
‘I have been hugely impressed by the response of solicitors so far who are demonstrating yet again their commitment to a just and stable society, and urge others to join the movement.’
Riot victims and solicitors wishing to pledge pro bono or financial assistance are asked to email riothelp@lawworks.org.uk
The cost of the helpline will be met by the Law Society, the Bar Council, and law firms that wish to contribute.
Firms that have already pledged support include magic circle firms Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Slaughter and May and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; City firms Hogan Lovells, Herbert Smith, Norton Rose; Berwin Leighton Paisner and Simmons & Simmons; and national firm Addleshaw Goddard.
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