From today (Monday, August 15th) The Law Society in London is establishing a dedicated free telephone helpline to direct the victims of the riots to 'pro bono' or free legal advice.
Working in collaboration with LawWorks and many individual law firms, the Law Society is launching a pro bono helpline to provide support the victims of the rioting and looting, in particular the small independent shopkeepers whose livelihoods are threatened by the impact of the recent unrest.
Julian Bray comments: It has not been widely promoted but this new service, starting today, is open to all riot victims, many of whom didn't have insurance cover and have probably lost everything. They only have 42 days -from the date of the riot - to get claims in against police authorities for compensation under the little known Riot (Damages) Act.
If you know anyone that has been affected, ask them to immediately telephone the Law Society (number below), for information.
A full time caseworker will be funded to operate out of the National Pro Bono Centre to manage calls, take details of the cases, make referrals where necessary and place cases using the existing systems of the current pro bono (free legal advice) agencies. This system will deliver expert legal advice to individuals and business owners in affected communities.
The Law Society will coordinate promotion of the helpline and is calling on the profession to provide pro bono assistance to help meet the demand.
Law 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.”
John Wotton added, “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.”
Solicitors wishing to pledge pro bono or financial assistance should email riothelp@lawworks.org.uk
It is planned to launch this service next week. Firms who wish to participate are asked to make contact as soon as possible.
The cost of the helpline is being met by the Law Society, Bar Council and generosity of law firms. Those who have already pledged support include:
Allen & Overy
Addleshaw Goddard
Berwin Leighton Paisner
Clifford Chance
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Herbert Smith
Hogan Lovells
Norton Rose
Simmons & Simmons
Slaughter and May
LawWorks is supported by the Law Society.
For Information contact: Catherine Reed at The Law Society
+44 (0)20 7320 5902
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