By Lucy Caulkett-
Solicitors in the Uk are being called to contribute to a new online advice service set up to answer one-off legal questions free of charge.
The novel idea has been set up to help individuals on a low income but who are nevertheless not eligible for legal aid.It promises to assist undefended litigants who lack the financial might to defend themselves in legal suits, some against bullish bosses, landlords, or organisations.
Insiders from The Law Society anonymously told The Eye Of Media.Com that the scheme may have been influenced by a scheme initiated a month ago to help small businesses.
In July, The Recovery Advice for Business scheme which is supported by the government and hosted on the Enterprise Nation website, volunteered give small firms access to free, one-to-one advice with an expert adviser to help them through the coronavirus pandemic and to prepare for long-term recovery. The platform is now live.
Advice offered will include bespoke, specialist assistance from accountancy, legal, and advertising to marketing, recruitment and digital to help businesses adapt to difficult circumstances and to bounce back as the UK economy recovers.
Free Legal Answers, created by access to justice charity LawWorks and supported by Deloitte Legal, is a website that virtually connects people with lawyers on a pro bono basis. The service is designed to help individuals on a low income but who are nevertheless not eligible for legal aid.
The online platform – already established in the United States – is currently in the early stages of a pilot, with 90 lawyers who have committed to the objective Solicitors who have experience in housing, family and employment law are in particular demand, LawWorks said.
Lawyers committed to the scheme will be allowed to preview the questions, and respond at any time and from any location. They can also contact the person asking the question if further information is needed. All advice provided through the website will be insured by LawWorks’ professional indemnity insurance.
The website will provide initial advice to individuals who struggle to physically attend existing pro bono centres, for example due to mobility issues, health issues or Covid 19 restrictions.
Martin Barnes, CEO of LawWorks, said: ‘Pro bono is not and should not be seen as an alternative to legal aid, but it can help enable people to access the timely advice they need and which they cannot afford to pay for. We are excited about the potential for Free Legal Answers to provide new pro bono opportunities for lawyers willing to give their time and expertise for free.’
Simon Davis, Law Society president, added: ‘Free Legal Answers will help people who may not be able to visit a lawyer in person to get the advice they need. This can be life-changing for people who would otherwise have to navigate the justice system without expert help. It also provides flexibility that will enable more solicitors to work pro bono if they wish, as we know many do. As a LawWorks trustee, I am immensely proud of the charity’s work and of the profession’s commitment to pro bono and access to justice.