Legal aid legacy?

Once again, it's the time of John Lewis adverts, precariously arranged shop window displays and turkeys - by which I mean this year's contestants on I'm A Celebrity.

During this curious period, where truckloads of a sugary drinks wind their way across our TV and computer screens and into our shopping trollies, law firms take the opportunity to indulge their clients (and staff) in some festive cheer. It's been another tough year for many and, while wearing my diamanté encrusted rose-tinted spectacles from 2013's secret Santa, I see good times ahead for the economy.

With this in mind, I got to thinking about how soon the message of pro bono week can get lost by the profession, politicians and the public. As I sat in a seminar about organisational management, presented by the Tate gallery, I saw parallels emerge between the difficulties experienced by the arts world and the legal profession. Perhaps the most obvious similarity has been the government's policies to progressively cut 'unnecessary' funding. Like it or not, it seems the cuts are set to continue, whatever happens come election time next year.

Looking at how arts organisations have dealt with funding cuts may offer some ideas for how we can work together to preserve access to justice beyond this generation. A shift to a more American model of endowments, legacies and corporate sponsorship has produced lasting relationships through life and death. It may be taking the dedicated park bench to the next level, but there are passionate philanthropists (including lawyers, politicians and business folk) who wish to see the legacy of legal aid continue beyond 2015.

For the Tate, funding cuts have forced it to find fresh income streams which are less likely to be affected by governmental whim and fancy. Rather than limiting its objectives and narrowing its scope, it has galvinised growth, including the construction of an extension to the Tate Modern providing extra eleven floors of what are promised to be "amazing art experiences and encounters".

Although the Tate has faced considerable criticism for its corporate relationship with BP, taking money from even controversial sponsors has allowed it to extend access to its collections and exhibitions. Is it time for us to look towards industry for assistance, even if that means compromising on our values? The statistics have proven that the profession has already taken giant leaps to fill the legal aid void, but how much more could be done with external investment?

The legal profession's commitment to pro bono goes back hundreds of years, not just the past 13 where we have set aside a week to mark it.

There might be a fundraising challenge, but with commitment and devotion I am sure the financial forecast can be changed. And at this time of the year, we should remember that pro bono is for life, not just for one week.

Kevin Poulter, editor at large

@SJ_Weekly

#SJPOULTER

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk

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