Legal publisher LexisNexis Butterworths has agreed to open its new on-line service free of charge to lawyers involved in a Solicitors Pro Bono Group (SPBG) project, it revealed last week.

Solicitors who volunteer for the SPBG's LawWorks clinics will be given free access to the publisher's Internet-based legal database for work relating to the project.


The on-line service provides a single point of access to legal content including cases, legislation and commentary, from sources such as Halsbury's Laws and Legislation Direct.


LawWorks manager Graham Bucknall said: 'Although legal practitioners are extremely generous in giving up their time to volunteer at LawWorks clinics, the resources available to them are still very limited... [this] will be invaluable to our volunteers.'


Bill Marshall, publishing systems director at LexisNexis Butterworths, said: 'Current limitations prevent many people from being eligible for legal aid, and in too many cases legal aid is not available. The legal practitioners, who generously give up their time to help communities and individuals, play a vital role in making free legal advice available to all those who need it. We hope that the complimentary on-line access helps pro bono lawyers give the most comprehensive advice possible.'


Solicitors who wish to volunteer for the LawWorks project should contact Mr Bucknall, tel: 020 7929 5601.