"In 2022, our two charities sought to move towards a merger, as both considered that there were good reasons for doing so and, together, we would be able to achieve more than the sum of our separate parts. The ambition was right. Practically, the process was more complex than we had envisaged. Since agreeing in principle to merge earlier in the year, it has become apparent that being able to complete the merger remains some way off and continuing with this process whilst maintaining the delivery of our unique services within the domestic and international legal pro-bono fields, were a step too far.
Restructuring, integration and reframing our joint offering were distracting both the boards and, more importantly, our colleagues who are working hard to deliver for each charity to those who so desperately need our services. As a result, last week both boards reluctantly agreed to stop the process and focus on our purposes and missions independently."
Alasdair Douglas, Chair, LawWorks and Roger Leese, Chair, Advocates for International Development.
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Notes to editors:
- LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity that promotes, supports and facilitates pro bono legal services that extend access to the law for individuals and communities in need and the organisations that assist them. LawWorks supports a network of over 300 independent pro bono clinics across England and Wales, and facilitates free legal advice for smaller charities and social enterprises through its Not-For-Profits Programme. LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
- A4ID is a global charity that works in partnership with the world’s leading law firms, providing access to the best legal advice for those engaged in the fight against global poverty, and contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). www.a4id.org