Given the current cost of living crisis, it would be fair to say providing pro bono advice has never been more important. Other crises which have highlighted the importance of effective coordination include providing legal support for people affected by the crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
The response from many different areas of the profession has been coordinated and this just demonstrates how it can be for any future crises. There was the opportunity for Lawyers looking to help advise Ukrainians on a pro bono basis. Immigration Lawyers launched an advice service to provide free help and support to Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK in the wake of the Russian Invasion. Some law firms donated funds or launched their own pro bono projects. Some allowed their offices in Poland to be used to help refuges. In addition to that, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme was opened by the Government to allow individuals, charities, community groups and business in the UK to help bring Ukrainians to safely, including those with no family ties to the UK.
This demonstrates the collaborative response to the humanitarian crisis by the Legal Profession.
By Laura Hannan