Legal Volunteers
Honorary Legal Advisors at the RCJ Advice Bureau
Many in the legal profession regard pro bono work as an integral part of becoming a lawyer, providing access to justice and meeting unmet legal need.
The RCJ Advice Bureau is assisted in the provision of legal advice by volunteer qualified solicitors employed by local law firms around London. These volunteers, which we call “Honorary Legal Advisors” (HLAs), give up their time and skills to come into the Bureau and provide free advice in interview to clients involved in court proceedings. Each session lasts approximately three hours and the HLA will see four clients in this time.
The HLAs give both family and general civil litigation advice and between them, see around 2,500 clients a year. This is significant number of people receiving advice they could not get elsewhere because they could not afford to pay for that advice and have no access to public funding. It is widely recognised that without this service Litigants in Person are at a potential disadvantage in the preparation and presentation of their case in the first instance and on appeal.
The support of HLAs is a vital contribution which is essential to our service provision and to ensuring access to justice for unrepresented litigants.
If you are a solicitor and you are interested in joining the scheme, please contact the designated HLA co-ordinator at your firm. If your firm is not yet part of the scheme please contact the RCJ Advice Bureau Director.
Below are some frequently asked questions which we hope will provide a comprehensive overview of what is entailed in being an HLA at the RCJ Advice Bureau. However, if you have additional questions please don’t be afraid to ask.
FAQs:
Q: If I decide to volunteer how often would I be asked to attend the Bureau?
A: You may attend as often or as little as you like depending on your other work commitments. Some HLAs choose to come once a year, some choose to come once every two weeks. It’s entirely up to you.
Q: What areas of law do clients present with at the Bureau?
A: Clients can come with any civil litigation matter, which can be daunting but also rewarding. The typical subject areas are those affecting individuals, such as debt, personal injury, employment and immigration. Do not worry – no-one is an expert in every area – just keep the advice you give practical and procedural
Q: What type of work might I expect to be asked to carry out?
A: To listen, to advise as much as you are able, to suggest wording to a letter, make a phone call, or complete a simple application notice
Q: Would I be expected to make an open-ended commitment to a case?
A: You would not be expected to make any commitment except for the commitment to the session itself
Q: Is there a facility for referring cases to a Barrister?
A: There is, the Bureau often refers cases to a charity called the Bar Pro Bono Unit. The application forms for referral to this service are available from the receptionist.
Q: What support is available during my session?
A: There are three solicitors permanently employed by the Bureau and someone should always therefore be available to help you with legal queries. The solicitors are happy to help and you should simply telephone with any queries you have. They are used to the problems our clients typically have and should be able to assist you quickly. If you have non legal queries the receptionist and administrator will be happy to help.
Q: Can I view a session before making a commitment to the service?
A: You can, you are welcome to join a HLA who is already volunteering from your firm. Alternatively, we are happy for you to sit in on one of our duty solicitor sessions if your firm is not already involved. Please contact your HLA co-ordinator or Bureau Director, James Banks to organise this.
