The Law Society National Pro Bono Week – 2-6 November 2015
On the 29 October The Law Society President publicised National Pro Bono Week which takes place from Monday 2 November to Friday 6 November 2015. He emphasised that now, more than ever, lawyers need to get involved. Cuts to legal aid are a barrier to access to justice.
The closure of Law Centres and the fact that many welfare rights organisations, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, are suffering cuts to funding, means lawyers really do need to “do their bit”.
We are a community law firm
We set up our firm in 2004 to serve both our business community and individuals which includes offering a program of community engagement. This includes advice clinics, training and skills sharing. We provide over 100K of free legal work each year.
On 4 November 2015 Fiona Martin has been invited by Brighton Community Works to provide her expertise on employment law and people management to trustees. Other professionals with insight in charity finance, best practice and volunteer management will also attend to advise local voluntary and charitable organisations.
On 9 November we will be participating in Wired Sussex “HR Round Table” offering free specialist employment law advice to local Digital Media firms.
In the last three months, we have provided employment law and HR support for Wired Sussex through our HR Digital Media Group and ‘Ask the HR Expert’, Care Act and employment law training for Brighton Community Works, Community Care Law advice clinics for Age UK Brighton & Hove and The Carers Centre, and pro bono Employment Law advice for Employment Support Retraining Agency (ESRA).
We also work with schools and colleges to provide careers advice and legal opportunities.
Find out more about our upcoming events and our work in the community.
Testimonials
“This legal service is a fantastic resource for families. Really clear and patient advice from professional lawyers and solicitors. The pro bono services for Age Concern clients are invaluable. Cate’s knowledge of community care law is a great help to clients and volunteers.” Age UK, Brighton & Hove
“The pro bono support that Fiona and the Martin Searle team have offered over the years to charities and community groups in Brighton and Hove has made a huge difference to the health and sustainability of those organisations. Support has ranged from writing employment contracts and staff handbooks, providing training in employment law and offering one-to-one advice to trustees at our governance surgeries. Fiona has played a strategic role in supporting our business engagement activity for a number of years and has introduced several new businesses to us that have gone on to offer pro bono support. They have been integral to increasing our capacity to support charities and community groups in the city to be more effective. A huge thank you from the Community Works Team”. Lisa Mytton, Brighton Community Works
“Martin Searle Solicitors free online information and factsheets have been invaluable to us at North United Communities. It is very difficult to find something which is easy to read with good clarification, and which is also cost free.” Veronica O’Donnell, North United Communities Ltd
