London Legal Giving Week Appeal for free legal advice charities

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Yesterday (24 November) marked the launch of London Legal Support Trust’s first ever London Legal Giving Week appeal.

The charity, which raises funds for free legal advice providers in London and the South East, is facing a £400,000 shortfall in its fundraising income this year due to the Covid pandemic disrupting fundraising events.  

In 2020, legal advice charities have also struggled to fundraise as usual themselves due to events being cancelled. At the same time, there has been a dramatic increase in the need for legal advice. Many more people are facing serious issues with debt, employment, benefits, housing, and more.  

With the support of the Lord Mayor of London, the Lord Chief Justice and leading judges, London Legal Support Trust is now reaching out with an appeal to the legal community to help ensure that legal advice agencies can continue to serve those in need. Members of the legal community are asked to donate one hour’s salary to the appeal. 

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The Trust will mark London Legal Giving Week with a series of events, including a virtual coffee morning to hear directly from agencies on the frontline, a yoga session, and a panel of distinguished guests including the Hon. Mr Justice Robin Knowles QC, CBE, and Cherie Blair, QC, OBE.  

London Legal Support Trust Chief Executive, Nezahat Cihan, said: “Ensuring that everyone has access to justice is a key pillar of our legal system. This is more important now than ever, as thousands of people are dealing with legal issues for the first time in their lives.

“Over the years, the legal community has been exceedingly generous in supporting the cause of free legal advice. We know that we can count on them again in this difficult time.” 

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