LEGAL ADVICE: scheme lends support to Prince's Trust start-ups Ford Credit draws lawyers into pro bono initiativeThe in-house team at Ford Credit - the banking arm of the Ford Motor Company - has become the second to use its corporate clout to encourage its legal advisers to partner in a pro bono project.

So far two firms, City giant Lovells, one of Ford Credit's commercial advisers, and Essex-based Wortley Byas, which does property work for the company, have signed up to the scheme.

Others in Essex - where Ford Motors and Ford Credit are based -- are understood to be considering joining the scheme.Ford Credit's in-house team will run half-day seminars offering practical legal advice to start-up businesses under the Prince's Trust.

The Trust offers funding of up to 5,000 for young people, often from ethnic minorities, the disabled and ex-offenders, hoping to start their own business.During the first year of running their businesses, the external firms will provide free help and advice on legal issues.In 1999, British Aerospace became the first in-house team to gain a Law Society waiver to conduct pro bono work.

Ford Credit's director of communications, Christopher Makin, said although a commitment to pro bono work would not be a 'sticking point' when outsourcing, it was something the company would look to encourage in its business partners.

Lovells pro bono officer Yasmin Waljee said such a partnership may not put the firm ahead of competitors, but it would help it understand clients, especially those who take corporate social responsibility seriously.Catherine Smith, practice manager at Wortley Byas, said the firm was committed to a number of local pro bono projects and felt it could work well with Ford Credit on the initiative.The in-house team at Ford Credit -- the banking arm of the Ford Motor Company -- has become the second to use its corporate clout to encourage its legal advisers to partner in a pro bono project.

So far two firms, City giant Lovells, one of Ford Credit's commercial advisers, and Essex-based Wortley Byas, which does property work for the company, have signed up to the scheme.

Others in Essex -- where Ford Motors and Ford Credit are based -- are understood to be considering joining the scheme.Ford Credit's in-house team will run half-day seminars offering practical legal advice to start-up businesses under the Prince's Trust.

The Trust offers funding of up to 5,000 for young people, often from ethnic minorities, the disabled and ex-offenders, hoping to start their own business.During the first year of running their businesses, the external firms will provide free help and advice on legal issues.In 1999, British Aerospace became the first in-house team to gain a Law Society waiver to conduct pro bono work.

Ford Credit's director of communications, Christopher Makin, said although a commitment to pro bono work would not be a 'sticking point' when outsourcing work, it was something the company would look to encourage in its business partners.

Lovells pro bono officer Yasmin Waljee said it was an important that clients were now encouraging their legal advisers to work with them on pro bono initiatives.

She added that whilst such a partnership might not put the firm ahead of competitors, it was helpful in understanding the client.

'If a client takes corporate social responsibility seriously, it is important for us to recognise that and be part of it,' she said.

Catherine Smith, practice manager at Wortley Byas, said the firm was already committed to a number of local pro bono projects and felt it could work well with Ford Credit on the initiative.ends Sue Allen