Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly believes pro bono work is good for us. With 25% cuts looming at the Ministry of Justice, how convenient to transfer government social obligations to lawyers.
He believes pro bono work has been the preserve of the larger firms. He should remember the commitment high street practices have to it, providing first free interviews and one-off advice; membership of Citizens Advice Bureau rotas; officers of local charities; and free hospital and home visits for the elderly and infirm.
Pro bono work is not sending trainees out to give children with learning difficulties reading lessons – that is community spirit, charity and a moral obligation on everyone.
He encourages solicitors to give pro bono advice in areas outside of their specialism, forgetting rules 1.05 and 2.01(b) of the Solicitors Code of Conduct 2007: you must provide a good service to your clients and refuse to act where you lack competence. Come and sit in a high street practice for a day Mr Djanogly; it might be refreshing to see solicitors talking to clients, face to face, before demanding fees. If you want ‘community spirit’, invest in the high street, where practices still hold the mantle as respected and recognised members of the local community.
Nigel Jones , solicitor director, JMD LAW, Cardiff
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