Responding to major incidents with free legal advice

We have partnered with LawWorks to launch a centralised online platform to help coordinate pro bono advice from the legal profession in the event of a major incident.

LawWorks logoThe Legal Pro Bono Platform aims to help members of the public access emergency pro bono legal advice in the event of major incidents, including terrorist attacks and civic disasters such as the Grenfell Tower fire.

Be ready to help by joining our panel of volunteer law firms

Looking for legal advice?

The Legal Pro Bono Platform is currently not taking requests from members of the public.

If you're looking for help getting legal support, our page for the public lists some organisations that may be able to help.

Find out more about free legal advice

How it works

In the event of a qualifying major incident, affected members of the public request free legal advice using the Legal Pro Bono Platform.

Taking part will be voluntary. As a panel member, you’ll be able to:

  • log in to the platform to review and assign suggested pro bono cases within your firm
  • review requests before deciding whether to take on any matter

The platform is secure, accessible and well-equipped to coordinate law firms’ voluntary work.

Once you’ve signed up, our partner LawWorks will contact you with:

  • guidance on setting up your account
  • details of training sessions

Who can use the platform

The current platform is designed for solicitors who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) rather than barristers and other legal professionals.

Responding to major incidents

The platform is currently not taking requests.

With LawWorks, we are continuously monitoring various incidents, and if a major event happens that’s appropriate for the Legal Pro Bono Platform, we’ll:

  • contact panel members directly
  • publish information for the public on how to submit requests

Pledge your support

While we hope this platform will not be needed, we are asking law firms to be prepared to help in the event of a future major incident.

SRA-regulated practitioners can sign up to become panel members.

Register your interest

Questions

Our partner LawWorks will be providing administrative assistance for the Legal Pro Bono Platform.

If you or your firm have any questions about the platform, being a panel member or the training sessions, email DigitalServices@lawworks.org.uk.

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