The Solicitors in Local Government (SLG) group has teamed up with three schools and a legal advice charity to raise the profile of local authority lawyers in the ‘neglected’ area of pro bono work.

The SLG has agreed a partnership arrangement with the Citizenship Foundation to participate in its Lawyers In Schools scheme. The scheme places legal professionals in the classroom to help develop young people’s awareness and understanding of the law. The SLG has also linked up with LawWorks, a charity providing free legal help to individuals and community groups.

SLG chairman Guy Goodman said: ‘Pro bono has been neglected by local authority lawyers, but that is set to change. The funding is in place for us to begin working with three schools, two in Yorkshire and one in the East Midlands. More than 20 law firms are already active in the scheme across the country, but this is the first time SLG has become involved. Our lawyers also have the skills and experience to help LawWorks continue providing a free advice service.’