Launching in early 2022, the Legal Pro Bono Platform aims to help members of the public access emergency pro bono legal advice in the event of major incidents including terrorist attacks and civic disasters such as the Grenfell Tower fire.
How it works
In the event of a qualifying major incident, affected members of the public request free legal advice using the Legal Pro Bono Platform.
Taking part will be voluntary. As a panel member, you’ll be able to:
- log in to the platform to review and assign suggested pro bono cases within your firm
- review requests before deciding whether to take on any matter
The platform is secure, accessible and well-equipped to coordinate law firms’ voluntary work.
Once you’ve signed up, we will contact you with:
- Guidance on setting up your account
- Details of training sessions
Who can use the platform
The current platform is designed for practitioners who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) rather than barristers and other legal professionals.
Responding to major incidents
The platform is currently not taking requests.
With The Law Society, we are continuously monitoring various incidents, and if a major event happens that’s appropriate for the Legal Pro Bono Platform, we’ll:
- Contact panel members directly
- Publish information for the public on how to submit requests
Pledge your support
While we hope this platform will not be needed, we are asking law firms to be prepared to help in the event of a future major incident.
SRA-regulated practitioners can sign up to become panel members.
Questions
If you or your firm have any questions about the platform, being a panel member or the training sessions, email DigitalServices@lawworks.org.uk.