Press Release

Over 1,000 lawyers across 5 Cities raise £50,000 for legal charities

26 September 2008  

Lawyers in Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, Brighton and Leeds participated in a charity walk to raise money for their local legal charities which provide vital free legal help to people in need.  

The walks, which took place yesterday, form part of an initiative to develop regional Trusts in each area to raise funds for legal advice centres and the national development of a new Access to Justice Foundation. The funds raised by the walks will be used to fund local legal advice agencies such as law centres and support agencies such as Lawworks.  

The lawyers were led by leading members of the Judiciary including Lord Philips of Worth Matravers, the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Justice Carnwath the Senior President of Tribunals.  

Teams of Civil and Tribunal Judges across the 5 cities raised over £10,000 between them, while Leading national law firms including DLA Piper, Irwin Mitchell, Hammonds and Eversheds had teams walking in more than one city, adding considerably to the totals.  

A host of barristers chambers also participated in the series of walks, headed by Atlantic Chambers in Liverpool (walking in Manchester) and 1 Crown Office Row’s Brighton branch both of which raised over £1,000.  

Bob Nightingale, Chief Executive of the London Legal Support Trust, whose May walk raised over £350,000, said: "Just as hospitals have their League of Friends and Schools have their PTAs we aim to develop similar support for the legal voluntary sector which does such a great job in preventing poverty, resolving debt, challenging discrimination and combating exploitation. These walks are the first step in that process. They will undoubtedly become annual events as has the London walk and will be joined by annual walks in all major cities as the project develops."  

Heidi Newbigging, UK CSR Manager at law firm DLA Piper, said, "DLA Piper is delighted to be part of the legal walks in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. We understand the financial struggle of many advice agencies across the UK and are keen to support these agencies in recognition of the invaluable service they provide to the local community and the walks are a really fun way to do this."  

Law Society President, Paul Marsh, said the response from across the legal professions has been exceptional; "These walks have raised valuable funds to assist legal advice charities that help with real life crises such as homelessness, debt and destitution and support people in dire need."