Law Centres Federation welcomes new partnership for Law Centres

The project is an unprecedented partnership between Law Centres, the Ministry of Justice, City law firms and charitable trusts.

Law Centres are not-for-profit legal practices staffed by solicitors and barristers who specialise in the most vital areas of law for poor and disadvantaged people. The pilot commences at South West London Law Centres, investing in infrastructure and testing new ways of working which will aid all Law Centres.

Michael Ashe, Chief Executive, South West London Law Centres, said:
“Law Centres provide a unique service to poor and disadvantaged people – and we are delighted that the Ministry of Justice, City law firms and charitable trusts are today investing in that service. Our teams of expert lawyers are committed to helping people turn their lives around whether they are stopping a family from being evicted from their home or making sure an elderly person gets the care they need.”

Julie Bishop, Director, Law Centres Federation, said:
“This is an unprecedented partnership which will have real benefits for Law Centres’ clients as they struggle to cope with the impact of the recession - and will also give the government real value for money.  We know that every eviction avoided by Law Centres saves the taxpayer an estimated £34,000. However, all too often Law Centres are hampered by lack of investment in their infrastructure. We hope this ground-breaking partnership will have ground-breaking results.”

Last year, the South West London Law Centres helped over 25,000 people. This included 2,000 people through their County Court Duty Scheme which assists people at risk of losing their home. One young man who benefitted from the Scheme was an 18-year-old facing imminent homelessness. The duty solicitor was able to stop his landlord from taking further steps to evict him and help to arrange for him to be re-housed. He is now getting on with his life.

The Ministry of Justice, Allen & Overy, The Baring Foundation and The London Legal Support Trust, together with LCF, have played a key role in driving the project forward. South West London Law Centres and LCF are grateful to the law firms and charitable trusts who have provided practical assistance and funding.
ENDS

Notes to Editors:
For more information, please contact Law Centres Federation on: 020 7842 0720.