Citizens Advice Exeter marks national pro bono week

Leading local advice charity, Citizens Advice Exeter, is highlighting the success of its legal clinic scheme as part of national pro bono week which runs from 7 – 11 November 2016.

The legal clinic scheme enables Citizens Advice clients to access free legal advice from local law firms.

Citizens Advice Exeter Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: “Our legal clinic scheme has proved very popular with our clients who are otherwise unable to afford legal fees. We are very grateful to Michelmores, Veitch Penny, The Family Law Company and Cartridges Law for their support. In the last year they have helped over 70 clients.” 

Kathryn O’Reilly from Michelmores LLP said: “We have been involved in the legal clinic scheme with Citizens Advice Exeter for more than 10 years. Over that time we have been able to see the benefits of the scheme for many clients who otherwise would struggle to access specialist employment advice.”

Alastair Dunnett from Veitch Penny LLP said: “National pro bono week is an excellent opportunity to highlight the work that the legal sector does on a regular basis with low income households and our partnership with Citizens Advice Exeter.”

Donna Hart from The Family Law Company, who became a Trustee of Citizens Advice Exeter, said: “With the cuts to Legal Aid it is even more important that people living on a low income have access to legal services and advice. As a family law specialist, we are proud to offer help via Citizens Advice, an organisation that provides crucial help to those who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.”

James Durston from Cartridges Law said: “Many clients approach our firm or Citizens Advice with difficult and urgent housing problems, including people facing eviction proceedings and seeking advice on homelessness.  These can be quite complex matters, and in the current climate of cuts in legal aid, it is vital that people can get affordable professional advice.” 

National pro bono week is an annual event, sponsored by the Law Society, the Bar Council and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). The aim of the week is to celebrate the breadth and impact of pro bono work undertaken by the legal profession across the year.

Citizens Advice clients can access the legal clinic scheme through the charity’s usual services.