BUILDING FOUNDATIONS

Regarding recent correspondence on pro bono, may I record the work of the charity Environmental Law Foundation (ELF), which is now celebrating its first operational decade.

Since its launch in January 1992, it has provided pro bono support and guidance to communities and individuals faced with problems of an environmental nature.

Through its national network of lawyers and consultants, some 1,400 cases representing 1,400 issues of importance to a like number of local communities have been undertaken.

This is apart from the thousands of enquiries for assistance and information serviced over this period.The majority of its membership is solicitors, and it should be a matter of pride that this reservoir of social responsiveness is so well represented by the profession.

Those practising in the areas of planning, public law, nuisance, health or personal injury where environmental factors regularly play a part, will find opportunity to develop skills, exchange experiences with others, as well as helping people and communities most in need.For details of membership, tel: 020 7404 1030, fax: 020 7404 1032, e-mail: info@elflaw.orgMartin Polden, president and co-founder of ELF