Professional triage

Perhaps now more than ever, in the face of swingeing cuts to the legal aid budget and little opportunity for government assisted support across most legal proceedings, it falls to the profession to do what it can
when it can.

Still the profession continues to respond. High-profile casework from the global Magic Circle, through to pointing a random caller in the right direction, regardless of what, why or how often, it is our duty to help, and we do.

London is often the focus of many pro bono activities, as you might expect, but it is by no means the only place. Pro bono work is undertaken across the country to support those in need at home and abroad. You will read in John’s blog about the work of a full spectrum of law firms, each of which should be applauded and celebrated.

What you might not read so much about is the work that is done and not recorded on a time sheet, presented at a board meeting or shouted about in the press. This work is also worthy of praise. The Law Society estimates that almost two thirds of lawyers undertake pro bono work in their careers.

In the office, most days I overhear my colleagues taking random calls from people (and businesses) in need of help. Some people just want reassurance, a nudge in the right direction or the assistance of a qualified professional for just five minutes. Sometimes we can help, sometimes we can’t. But when we receive those calls and emails, how we respond reflects on us, our firms and ultimately on the entire solicitor profession.

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.

Michael Napier, the attorney general’s pro bono envoy, often talks of the white tabs, worn now by barristers but once the attire of lawyers generally, and how the two ‘tongues’ allow us to speak for the rich for pay, and for the poor without. This goes to the fibre of what makes us trusted and (mostly) respected advisors.

Times have been hard in the past for justice, for the public and for the profession. Times look set to be hard still, but by coming together as we do, the difficulties and hardships being suffered can be eased slightly, even if only by taking a call, responding to an email and recognising our obligation to help.

As Andrea Coomber, director of Justice commented: “Pro bono might be a sticking plaster, but we are dealing with a gushing wound.”

I would add, the more plasters there are the better chance we have to keep justice and access to justice alive. SJ

Kevin Poulter, editor at large

@SJ_Weekly #SJPOULTER

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk