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16 November 2012 / Ruth Daniel
Issue: 7538 / Categories: Opinion , Legal aid focus , Legal services , Profession
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The bigger picture

Ruth Daniel highlights the importance of pro bono work following recent legal reform

The principle of access to justice is of central importance to a just society in which those deserving of a legal remedy can access a court in which that remedy can be delivered. Unfortunately, a lack of resources means that such access is not always available to those who need representation.

Government cuts in funding have amplified this lack of resources and, although pro bono cannot be a substitute for legal aid, those who work in the pro bono sector, or who campaign to broaden access to justice, are fulfiling an important role in helping those who cannot afford legal representation.

Cross-profession initiative

Established in 2008, the Access to Justice Foundation is a cross-profession initiative that provides funding and support to charities that give free legal help to those in need. Working closely with the pro bono and advice sector, the foundation raises funds through a variety of schemes and distributes those funds to organisations and projects that support those who most need legal assistance but cannot afford

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Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

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NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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