Help the next person in need of pro bono advice by sharing guidance and raising awareness of pro bono costs!

Posted on17 September 2024

The Access to Justice Foundation have released official guidance on pro bono costs orders – an essential tool for impactful pro bono litigation in civil courts, tribunals and in settlement agreements!

Pro bono costs orders fund free legal advice across the UK for marginalised people, places and communities.

At its conception, the Access to Justice Foundation was created as the prescribed charity to receive pro bono costs pursuant to s.194 of the Legal Services Act. Pro bono costs are court orders that require the losing party in a legal case to pay costs to the Access to Justice Foundation when the winning party has received free legal representation. These funds are used to support advice organisations deliver free legal advice to those in need.

Pro bono costs level the playing field and have raised millions of pounds for marginalised people, communities and places.

Not sure if pro bono costs apply to your case? Head over to the Access to Justice Foundation’s website for:

· An overview of what pro bono costs orders are.

· Information on how to apply for pro bono costs, including the suggested wording.

· Opportunities to Be Part of the Picture

· Specially crafted FAQs designed based on your feedback. To find out more, get in touch with us at costs@atjf.org.uk

Guidance for Advocates

Guidance for Solicitors

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS