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LawWorks

LawWorks. Developing closer links between advice agencies and solicitors Patrick Cahill Clinics Development Officer. About LawWorks. Independent national charity Formed in 1997 Brokerage organisation Last 12 months Over 45,000 people helped 400 community groups advised

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LawWorks

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  1. LawWorks Developing closer links between advice agencies and solicitors Patrick Cahill Clinics Development Officer

  2. About LawWorks Independent national charity Formed in 1997 Brokerage organisation Last 12 months Over 45,000 people helped 400 community groups advised Value over £4 million

  3. LawWorks Membership Over 100 firms and in-house teams Forums and Round Tables Newsletters Consultancy and Brokerage Awards Insurance in some cases CPD accredited training

  4. Projects Include… LawWorks Clinics and training Casework – for individuals, community groups and mediation Free Law Direct Students

  5. What is a Legal Advice Clinic? • No Advice agency Volunteer lawyers Legal Free advice Community Centre Students/university Essentially it is any sort of free legal advice session staffed by volunteer lawyers who provide free advice to the public

  6. Why pro bono? • Learn new skills • Acquire new knowledge • Make a contribution to your local area • Personal satisfaction and professional development • Develop and foster relations with local advice agencies

  7. How can solicitors get involved? Referrals Volunteering legal skills Training Awareness

  8. Case Study One Northampton CAB • Who’s Involved?. • Northampton CAB • Solicitor volunteerscome from local law firms, supported by law students from the University of Northampton. • How are solicitors involved? • After a prior assessment solicitors volunteer on a rota basis • Solicitors give face-to-face advice or write a letter after the clinic • Solicitors refer clients to other agencies

  9. Case Study Two Own it-IP Advice • Who’s Involved? • University of the Arts, London • Solicitor volunteerscome from local law firms • How are solicitors involved? • The Own-It IP clinics are for business whose annual turnover is below £100,000 • Solicitors provide IP specific advice

  10. Case Study Three Birmingham Legal Advice Clinic • Who’s Involved? • Birmingham Central Library • Solicitor volunteerscome from three local law firms • How are solicitors involved? • Solicitors volunteer on a rota basis at the library from their law firm • Solicitors give face-to-face advice or write a letter after the clinic • Solicitors refer clients to other agencies • Areas covered include debt, contract Law, consumer Law and housing

  11. There are lots of other type of clinic too… Immigration help only Businessadvice only Providing advice session presentations at a local agency Telephone advice line clinic A clinic at your law firm

  12. Concerns? DON’T WORRY • Commitment • Knowledge • Insurance • Conflicts ARE ALL OBSTACLES WHICH CAN BE OVERCOME AND WHICH LAWWORKS CAN HELP YOU WITH AND PROVIDE ADVICE ON

  13. LawWorks Clinics Network • Support and guidance for range of models • Free initial advice • Over 120 clinics around the country • General advice and more specialised. • Legal surgery for individuals and/or not for profits • Training for lawyers • CPD accredited • Available online

  14. Questions Patrick Cahill Patrick.cahill@lawworks.org.uk T: 020 7092 3953 www.lawworks.org.uk

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