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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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NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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