Legal surgery applauded for 30 years of service

South West law firm Thatcher & Hallam is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its free legal advice surgery.

The pro bono initiative is held every Thursday evening and is believed to be one of the oldest continuing free legal advice services in the country.

The firm estimates that the surgery has aided approximately 12,000 people during its 30 years.

Advice has been provided on a range of practice areas including personal injury claims, consumer complaints, disputes of contested wills and problems over contact with children or grandchildren.

With National Pro Bono Week right around the corner, managing partner Grahame Macaulay, said: "Over 30 years we have advised on virtually every kind of legal problem within our areas of expertise. Where we have not been able to help, then we have always directed people to where they can best find expert advice."

He continued: "The phrase 'pro bono' was hardly heard of 30 years ago. We were all then just happy that we were able to offer something back in return to the community. We have every hope and expectation that we will still be providing our free surgery in another 30 years' time."

President of the Law Society, Andrew Caplen, applauded the firm's 30 year record: "Legal aid and wider funding cuts are chipping away at access to justice as much today as ever before. That is why access to justice is at the top of my agenda this year. Running a free surgery at Thatcher & Hallam for 30 years is a commendable achievement. It is a sign of how solicitors and local firms are committed to helping their communities."

Local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, agreed: "Thatcher & Hallam's free legal surgery is an important help to my constituents. It helps people who have a legal problem get on the right track to find the advice they need. It also proves Thatcher & Hallam's commitment to the community which is a long-standing tradition for the firm."

The Mayor of Midsomer Norton is also appreciative of what the surgery has achieved over three decades saying, "It is a fantastic achievement that so many people have had access to free legal advice".

John van der Luit-Drummond is legal reporter for Solicitors Journal