News

Legal 500 “Top Tier” firm Duncan Lewis Solicitors offer a free weekly pro bono legal surgery from their Dalston East London every Tuesday evening from 5.30- 7.30.

Set up over six years ago by two senior colleagues, the Duncan Lewis Solicitors Tuesday evening pro bono Surgery has been able to help people in local communities to access justice where they cannot afford it.

So far, the sessions have proven to be very popular, especially in the current climate of legal aid cuts, prohibitive application and court fees and other such barriers to justice.

Hannah Hudson, a member of the Duncan Lewis Immigration team and Pro Bono Committee said of the committee's work;

“Our clinic is driven by the belief that legal redress should be less complex and more accessible. Our firm has a long-standing commitment to those who are unable to afford representation. It is our continued hope that through utilizing the full resources of the Firm and our talented pro bono team, that we continue to do so bravely in the face of dynamic and ever changing legal system."

Duncan Lewis have assisted over 400 people alone over the past year, with some unaware they were able to obtain representation under Legal Aid or on private rates which offer great value for money. For others, the advice simply has given peace of mind and allowed clients to take their legal issues forward.

The work of the pro bono surgery was recently recognised when Duncan Lewis were the only Legal Aid firm shortlisted for the prestigious LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2014 held in the historic Royal College of Surgeons in Lincoln's Inn Fields.

Individuals with a legal issue in any of the following areas below can attend the Tuesday Pro Bono Sessions, which run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with last entry at 7pm. Due to the popularity of these sessions, Solicitors are only able to spend a maximum of 30 minutes with each client.

Duncan Lewis advise that clients contact via the email address: probonocommittee@duncanlewis.com to arrange an appointment in advance of these sessions to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, individuals will be seen on a first come first serve basis.

Legal Areas Covered in the Drop in Sessions;

•Immigration and Asylum
•Family / Childcare
•Housing
•Welfare Benefits
•Community Care
•Employment
•Litigation
•Islamic Law