LawWorks Cymru operates across Wales with the aim of increasing access to justice by making it as easy as possible for qualified lawyers to volunteer their time to legal advice projects.
Whilst Pro Bono cannot and should not replace a well-funded Legal Aid system, none the less we believe that effective and sustainable Pro Bono projects can not only have a huge impact in the lives of those who cannot otherwise afford support with common legal problems; but can also provide development and opportunities for individual lawyers and law students; bring together the legal community; and influence meaningful policy change.
We work with a range of stakeholders across the country- including legal teams, legal aid providers, law schools, charities and public sector organisations, delivering core LawWorks projects in Wales. See below for further details.
LawWorks Clinics Network: There is a thriving network in Wales. To discuss joining the network, developing clinics, or volunteering at clinics, please contact David White. We have a particular emphasis on developing health/justice partnerships in Wales-i.e.: clinics that address the link between unmet legal needs and medical issues.
Free Legal Answers (FLA): We are exploring the potential of this unique online advice platform to address the issue of legal advice deserts in Wales. To find out more about our FLA work in Wales, please contact Suzy McGarrity.
Not for Profits Programme: We are keen to recruit volunteer lawyers in Wales to support local not for profit organisations with legal advice. We’re also working with Wales Council for Voluntary Action to spread awareness of the programme amongst Welsh charities.
Training: LawWorks provides a range of free and subsidised training and resources on substantive law and practice skills, including a number that are specific to devolved law and the Welsh context.
Please note that LawWorks does not give advice directly to individuals. To source free advice, please visit our 'Legal Advice for Individuals' page.
Pro Bono Volunteering
We hold information on a range of pro bono volunteering opportunities in Wales. You can find the latest opportunities on the ‘Get Involved’ section of the website.
To discuss any of these opportunities, the opportunities above, or your own pro bono aims, please contact David or Suzy.
The Pro Bono Committee for Wales
LawWorks Cymru is proud to hold the secretariat for the Pro Bono Committee for Wales, jointly with Advocate.
The committee is made up of law practitioners, representatives of the charity advice sector, and members of the judiciary dedicated to furthering a joined-up approach to Pro Bono in Wales; and is co-chaired by Clive Watkins of Watkins and Gunn, Cardiff & District Law Society, the Law Society Council, and the National Board for Wales; and HHJ Robert Harrison, designated Civil Judge for Wales.
The aim of the committee is to be a hub and first point of contact for Pro Bono activity in Wales.
Visit the Pro Bono Committee website for more information.
Membership
Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, it is currently free for law firms and legal team with headquarters based in Wales to sign up to become members of LawWorks. This is a great way to try out the benefits of membership!
For more information visit our membership pages.
Contact us
For more information about our work in Wales, or to get involved, please contact the LawWorks Cymru team.
To stay up to date with our work, sign up to recieve our newsletters!
LawWorks Cymru is generously funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
See the document below for the Welsh version of this page/ Gwelwch y dogfen isod am y fersiwn Cymraeg o'r tudalen hon.
