Member Article

North East legal profession unites to walk for justice for all!

The North East’s legal profession has again come together to raise much needed funds to help support ‘justice for all’.

Teams from a wide range of law firms, legal sector, chambers and judges took part in a 10K sponsored walk to support the provision of legal fees and advice to help people who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

Gateshead CAB, Newcastle Law Centre, Bar Pro Bono Unit and Newcastle PSU also joined in the walk to help raise money.

The Access to Justice Foundation, which champions and helps the poorest and most vulnerable people in local communities across England, Wales and Scotland arranged the walk with the North East Legal Support Trust which started outside Newcastle Combined Court Centre and finished at the Pitcher and Piano.

Laura Cassidy, Fundraising and Development Manager, from the North East Legal Support Trust (NELST) which was formed in 2010, said, “We are absolutely delighted with the support we have yet again received from the legal sector across the North East.

“To receive such support from so many people and different legal organisations is heart -warming and demonstrates how when people unite with a common cause they can really make a difference to our goal of justice for all.

“All the funds raised from the walk go directly to help people and charity organisations who desperately need help and access to legal services.

“We are also pleased to announce the team that has done the most to raise funds at the Newcastle Legal Walk 2018 will win the “The Vice-Chancellor’s Challenge Cup”. The cup will be presented by Mr Justice Norris, Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster after all donations have been collected with fundraising pages staying open until 16 August 2018.”

Womble Bond Dickinson and Irwin Mitchell are sponsors of the Newcastle Legal Walk 2018 providing pre and post drinks for our supporters.

Kevin Robertson, Partner and Office Head at Womble Bond Dickinson, Newcastle said: “The Newcastle Legal Walk is a brilliant event to take part in. A number of our offices are supporting the Access to Justice Foundation’s legal walks throughout the country. It is important for the legal profession to come together and raise awareness and funds for local advice charities operating in the North East and nationally. These charities give very vulnerable people access to legal advice that can be crucial to improving their lives.

“Womble Bond Dickinson are delighted to sponsor this event and help raise awareness of the need for firms in the North East to support pro bono activity and the work of charities who are supporting access to justice.”

Hugh Welch, Senior Partner Muckle LLP and supporter of the NELST said, “We are absolutely delighted to support the fund raising efforts of NELST. As a responsible North East based business, it is vitally important we continue to support the great work of the trust and to help less fortunate people and charities in our local community gain access to legal services.

“It is very pleasing to see so many people from the legal profession unite for justice and as well as entering a large team of walkers, Muckle has also made a donation to the Trust through our Community Fund.” The Legal Walk is one of over 30 similar events which run across England and Wales. NELST support local advice services such as Citizens Advice and Law Centre and raise and distribute funds to support the provision of free legal advice in Newcastle and the North East region to those who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

It is part of a network of Legal Support Trusts, working with the Access to Justice Foundation, to facilitate the access to specialist legal advice for the poorest and most vulnerable people in the community.

The organisations supported by the event make a huge difference in the lives of many people. The recent cuts to civil legal aid have not only affected the legal profession, but have also drastically impacted the services provided to members of the public.

Many advice services no longer have the tending to provide free legal services on issues of housing and employment, meaning individuals seeking help and support will either have to pay for advice or do the work themselves without any specialist help.

Meanwhile, the economic downturn has meant thousands more individuals and families are now unable to afford advice and turning to free legal advice agencies for help.

The additional cuts to local government funding of advice services are fighting to survive. Some organisations have merged, meaning already tight resources are being stretched over greater distances, but more frequently, others have ceased to provide services altogether.

The North East Legal Support Trust is the local arm of The Access to Justice Foundation. The Access to Justice Foundation is a company limited by guarantee (No. 6714178) and a registered charity (No. 1126147). Registered office: 20-22 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4JS Continued.

Despite the cuts to legal aid forcing the closure of many law firms the legal profession has always championed access to justice for all. The Newcastle Legal Walk is an enjoyable event which celebrates the continued work of the legal profession and advice sector in protecting people’s rights and prompting equal access to justice for all.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Banks .