The Bar’s Charity

Bar Pro Bono Unit www.BarProBono.org.uk Established 1996 All areas of law throughout England and Wales 3,500+ barristers (including one third of all QCs) Other volunteering opportunities through Bar in the Community in local communities www.BarProBono.org.uk

What we do Match-make volunteer barristers with those in need Our volunteer barristers provide free legal advice and representation We assist members of the public and small organisations who cannot obtain legal aid or afford a barrister Barristers can do: Represent you in any court/tribunal Give legal advice in a meeting Give legal advice in writing Draft documents such as skeleton arguments Barristers cannot: Prepare a case and paperwork for the court/tribunal Lodge papers at the court/tribunal for you Provide administrative back up for you Write letters on your behalf “The volunteer barrister was absolutely good.  He brought his expertise and years of experience to bear on our very difficult case.  Judgement came in our favour for my son to be returned to us."

Who we work with Referral Agencies: Help applicants complete the Application Form Act as a point of contact Referral Agencies: Citizens’ Advice Bureaux PSU Law Centres Law Clinics Solicitors Members of Parliament / Assembly Members

Barrister carries out the work How we work Application Arrives Is it complete? Yes: Next stage No: Ask Applicant for Further Information Reviewed by a Senior Barrister Accepted: Next stage Rejected: Applicant told why Search for a Volunteer Volunteer looks at the papers Returns the papers Barrister carries out the work Reviewer: The Unit has limited resources and cannot give legal advice, and the email will include only a brief reason for the decision.

Contact Details Pre-Application Enquiry Enquiries@BarProBono.org.uk 0207 092 3960 (Open Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30 – 2:00pm) Update about an Application Application@BarProBono.org.uk 0207 092 3963 (Open Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30 – 2:00pm)

Checklist for Referrers The applicant is not eligible for legal aid The applicant cannot pay privately There is a minimum of 3 weeks’ notice before any hearing date or deadline (exceptions may apply) The piece of work is for less than 3 days (exceptions may apply) The piece of work is something that a Barrister can do Barristers can: Barristers cannot: Represent you in any court/tribunal Prepare a case and paperwork for the court/tribunal Give legal advice Lodge papers at the court/tribunal for you Draft documents such as skeleton arguments Provide administrative back up for you Write letters on your behalf

How to Apply All applications must be made through a referrer Applications must be submitted in hard copy Applications must be include the case papers: Document Lists can be found on our website Court / tribunal papers, including court orders and judgments and witness statements Letters or opinions from solicitors, barristers or advisers giving advice about the case Key correspondence with any other person(s) involved, or their solicitors If seeking help with an appeal, a copy of the judgment being appealed If seeking help about a contract or formal document, a full copy of the contract / document Case papers must be photocopies

Key Questions Can an individual approach the Unit directly? No All Applicants must be referred by a suitable referral agency Exception: Prisoners, individual in an Immigration Removal Centre, Organisations, individuals living Overseas Can an application be sent by email? All applicants must send their form in hard copy Can my McKenzie friend refer?

Key Questions Is there a guarantee that I will receive assistance? No Assistance cannot be guaranteed as we rely on the voluntary services of barristers Deadline less than 3 weeks? We cannot process applications in less than 3 weeks (exceptions apply) I haven’t had initial legal advice? Signpost to other organisation

Key Questions Which documents do I send? Document Lists can be found on our website which will give guidance as to what documents should be included with the form If there are more than 100 pages of case papers, please select what seems the most important and provide a summary of what other documents exist Documents can be received by email if less than 20 pages My caseworker has not been in touch? From 31 October 2016, Caseworkers will no longer correspond via a direct email address or a direct telephone number A member of the casework team will only contact you when there is a specific update related to the application

Any Questions? Emily MacLoud Head of Casework 0207 092 3409 EMacloud@BarProBono.org.uk