City law firms are gearing up to back the initiative aimed at bolstering London's voluntary legal sector by contributing the interest earned through consolidating client monies on deposit.


DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary and Lovells have both indicated that they are considering making contributions to the London Legal Support Trust (LLST), after magic circle firm Allen & Overy pledged £200,000 over the next three years (see [2005] Gazette, 5 May, 1).



Elaine Radford, head of corporate social responsibility at DLA Piper, said: 'We are certainly considering the scheme as an opportunity to further invest in our existing pro bono initiatives.'


A spokeswoman for Lovells said it was looking closely at the initiative. 'We're also considering other possibilities, such as use of expired client funds,' she added.


LLST chairman Bob Nightingale, who also heads Battersea law centre, welcomed any interest in the project and said that City firms are now keen to get involved in a two-pronged initiative to provide pro bono services and increase civil legal aid funding. 'I am very encouraged by the response,' he added.