By Ashley Young-
A solicitor who co-founded a not-for-profit criminal defence firm has won a £10,000 prize from the University of Cambridge for his access to justice performance.
Commons Legal’s Sashy Nathan was named this month as one of three winners of the 2021 Cambridge Social Innovation Prize.
Sashy’s legal expertise ranges from criminal cases with human rights, civil liberties and international issues, which she does on behalf of his clients. His work ranges encompasses an advisory role on organizations and individuals on international criminal law, to helping the increasing amount of people who face criminal proceedings arising from civil law orders.
He regularly appears in the Magistrates’ Courts in criminal proceedings , dealing with various offences for clients with complex needs. He also undertakes contempt of court proceedings, and is open to advising individuals and the media on some of the nuances of law that could fall under contempt of court.
One eminent lawyer from London who wanted to remain anonymous in relation to this article described Sashy as ”a treasure to the legal profession”
Most impressive about Sashy’s firm is the fact he goes beyond the call of duty for his clients, and also offers them help for any unrelated cases his clients may have. Hi firm also often offers free phone legal advise to those who call, even before he is instructed to take on a case.
Nicole Helwig, director of the Cambridge Social Ventures Programme, said: ‘The winners of the Cambridge Social Innovation Prize are visionaries and drivers of social change. They identify entrepreneurial opportunities through insights based on empathy, experience and a deep understanding of the social challenges they address.
‘Sashy Nathan and his co-founders at Commons Legal are driving structural innovations within the legal system, motivated by a clear commitment to social justice. This prize celebrates social entrepreneurs like Sashy who challenge systemic barriers and break new ground with their innovations.’
Criminal Defense
Sashy Nathan co-founded not-for-profit criminal defence firm Commons Legal
Commons Legal, based in south London, was set up as a community interest company, with all profits reinvested into the firm’s mission.
The firm was the first criminal practice to provide a crisis navigation service, providing holistic support to vulnerable clients caught up in the criminal justice system. It has been working with Migrants’ Law Project to better understand how to support vulnerable young people subject to immigration control who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
The firm also developed a Coronavirus Fines and Crimes app to help people issued with fixed penalty notices navigate rules and regulations. A youth rights web app is currenting being developed.
The extent of their innovation has set new standards for other lawyers, particularly for not for profit organizations.
An overjoyed Nathan told The Eye Of Media.Com: ‘Winning was a surprise and having an objective party like the University of Cambridge recognizing what we do and providing us with a platform to develop and to continue to grow in whatever way that means, makes the long hours and the challenges of running a business like this worthwhile.
It is an honour to be selected for this prize, and we hope to continue to set high and admirable standards for other solicitors and aspiring solicitors to emulate’