Some of the UK’s biggest pro bono advice services have called on recession-hit City firms to continue supplying their lawyers for voluntary work amid escalating demand.

Citizens Advice, the Law Centres Federation and LawWorks told the Gazette this week that they are concerned about City job cuts forcing law firms to reduce their support.

All three praised member firms’ efforts so far in continuing to provide assistance despite making staff cutbacks, but warned that the demand for free advice – especially for debt counselling – is rising sharply.

‘If the law firms don’t maintain their support for free legal advice, the system will collapse,’ said Bob Nightingale, chief executive of the London Legal Support Trust, which distributes funds to pro bono advice centres in London and the south east. ‘The need for support is going to increase.’

LCF director Julie Bishop said: ‘In tough times, you are making tough decisions. But for the people who rely on us, advice is needed even more in troubled times than it is when things are going well.’ The LCF represents 54 community law centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland which use pro bono lawyers for specialist work.

James Banks, director of the Royal Courts of Justice advice bureau, which is run by Citizens Advice, said demand for debt counselling is ‘growing exponentially’. He said the bureau has not experienced a fall in staffing or donations, but said there is a risk that both will tail off.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive of charity LawWorks, noted increased demand for housing and social welfare advice on top of debt counselling.

  • Magic circle firm Linklaters this week appointed litigation partner Kathryn Ludlow as its first global pro bono partner.