The Law Society has increased its financial backing for charities supporting access to justice and lawyers’ wellbeing with three more years of funding.

Pro bono charity LawWorks has been receiving core funding of £104,500 from Chancery Lane in 2025/26. This will rise to £130,000 for 2026/27. LawCare’s £143,000 in 2025/26 will rise to £170,000 in 2026/27.

Louise Hanson, the Society's executive director of membership and external affairs, said: 'I am proud to announce the Law Society’s continued funding of LawWorks and LawCare, two charities which do so much to support members of the public and solicitors.

‘Lawyers face intense pressures including long working hours, heavy workloads and burnout. Supporting the wellbeing of solicitors is a key priority for the Law Society. LawCare, through its Life in the Law research, support services, training and advocacy, helps legal professionals lead better and more fulfilling lives while building their career.

‘Access to justice is fundamental and it is vital that there is support for those who cannot afford legal advice. We work closely with LawWorks to bridge that gap. They enable our members to deliver pro bono support and serve their communities.’

A Society spokesperson told the Gazette that Chancery Lane is one of the independent funders and a principal founder of LawCare. The representative body currently provides sponsorship to the Legal Aid Practitioners Group, LawWorks, London Legal Support Trust, Access to Justice Foundation, Sutton Trust and Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund.

LawCare’s interim chief executive Trish McLellan said the Society's grant sends a strong message about the importance of mental health and wellbeing across the legal profession’. LawWorks’ chief executive Rebecca Wilkinson said the money provides ‘greater financial certainty and enables us to plan ahead with confidence, making longer-term strategic decisions about how we develop and sustain our work’.