Legal profession launches helpline to direct riot victims to pro bono (free) legal advice

THE Legal profession launches helpline to direct riot victims to pro bono (free) legal advice.

The Law Society has today launched a dedicated telephone helpline to direct the victims of the riots to pro bono or free legal advice.

Working in collaboration with its partner charity LawWorks and many individual law firms, the Law Society has launched the pro bono helpline to provide support to the victims of the rioting and looting, in particular the small independent shopkeepers whose livelihoods are threatened by the impact of the recent unrest.

A full time caseworker will be based at the National Pro Bono Centre to manage applications for legal assistance by individuals, community groups and small businesses in the affected communities. Cases will then be matched with volunteer lawyers who will offer assistance on a range of legal matters from insurance and compensation to contractual, property and employment law.

Law Society President John Wotton said:- "Over the coming months, the victims will need practical help to get their businesses or personal lives back on track in these very difficult circumstances should have a quick route to specialist advice. The Law Society has been calling on the profession to provide pro bono assistance to help meet the demand. I have been hugely impressed by the response of solicitors so far who are demonstrating yet again their commitment to a just and stable society and urge others to join the movement. This helpline demonstrates the legal profession’s shared commitment to justice and social responsibility. We have acted quickly to provide practical help to those who are the victims of lawlessness."

Full information about the service and details of how to apply can be found online.

Due to the anticipated volume of calls, riot victims seeking support are advised to consult the website first.

The telephone helpline number is:- 020 7092 3949.
Email:- Riothelp@lawworks.org.uk.

The cost of the helpline is being met by the Law Society, Bar Council and generosity of law firms. Those who have already pledged support include:-

Last chance to enter Liverpool Cathedral Photography Competition

THERE is just a few days left to enter the 2011 Cathedral Photography Competition. Judges including Mike McCartney are asking people of all ages to capture their most ‘Inspiring Places’ around the city centre and submit them before the competition closes at 5pm on 26 August 2011.

Open to both adults and children, this year’s competition has three categories: In the Hope Street Area, In the City Centre, and At the Everyman.

More details of all categories, rules and entry form are available to download from the Cathedral website or application forms can be collected from Cathedral Welcome Desk.

All entries will go on display at the Cathedral from 15 September to 18 September 2011, where members of the public will be invited to choose a People’s Winner in addition to the judges’ selection.

Prizes include an overnight stay at the Hope Street Hotel, theatre tickets, meals, photographic workshops, tours, and vouchers for photographic equipment.

Entries will be judged by Chair Mike McCartney (whose My Liverpool Home exhibition is currently running at the Cathedral), award-winning Echo photographer Martin Birchall, Deputy Director of Art Galleries at National Museums Liverpool Sandra Penketh and Artistic Director at the Everyman Playhouse Gemma Bodinetz.

Last year’s winners were 12 year old Holly Radford and Mike McWade. Holly’s picture was of a young girl exploring a tunnel full of gravestones at St James’ gardens with the light flooding in behind her whilst Mike juxtaposed the imposing structure of the Metropolitan Cathedral against a girl walking at speed.