People bereaved and injured following Saturday's attack at London Bridge will be offered free legal advice through a panel of solicitor firms to be convened by the Law Society of England and Wales with LawWorks, the solicitors’ pro bono charity, and the City of London Law Society, Chancery Lane announced today. 

Law Society president Robert Bourns said: 'Those affected by this terrible attack will be dealing with enormous personal distress - physical, emotional or otherwise. That will be exacerbated by unforeseen and sometimes complex legal issues caused by this event.

'We hope free legal advice will assist victims of last Saturday’s attack in London to deal with any distressing practical issues that arise and relieve just a little of the worry.'

Bourns said the Society would be asking London solicitor firms with the relevant expertise to register with the pro bono panel if they wish to offer legal advice and support free of charge to those affected by these terrible events. 'The panel will operate on a referral basis so that the process is as easy as possible for victims. We are reaching out to the relevant agencies in London to this end.'

Firms and solicitors wishing to volunteer should email: londonprobono@LawSociety.org.uk

The announcement follows the success of Manchester Law Society in coordinating a 'pro bono advice rota', of firms willing to help with Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority claims and inquests. The society's plea attracted more than 100 responses from solicitors' firms, law students and barristers.