Ten law firms and 50 individual solicitors have volunteered to lend their services to the families of victims of the Asia tsunami disaster, under a scheme set up by the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (SPBG) last week.

The lawyers will primarily help the families of British victims with death certificates, probate and insurance issues, though there may also be opportunities to help the families of international victims through SPBG's links with international charity Avocats Sans Frontières.


Firms that have already agreed to supply lawyers are City firms Linklaters, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Lovells, Clyde & Co and Travers Smith; Newcastle's Geoffrey Forrester; and US firms White & Case, Dewey Ballantine and Arnold & Porter.


The group is also planning a 'seniors project' to enable retired lawyers to fly out to affected areas and offer more sustainable assistance on building businesses back up.


Bereaved families will contact the SPBG through the Foreign Office, and the group will then put them in touch with solicitors.


SPBG chief executive Sue Bucknall said: 'We know from the experience of the 11 September 2001 attacks that lawyers will be needed, and we want to be ready. Anyone can give money, but lawyers have a specialism that enables them to give practical assistance, helping people to get their lives back together. The huge response we have had shows that lawyers do have a heart. Our lawyers always respond well and this is in line with the overwhelming financial response received from all UK citizens.'


Meanwhile, Clifford Chance has agreed to match employee donations to the tsunami appeal up to $500,000 (£265,000) for the worldwide firm. It has already made an initial donation of $100,000 (£53,000).


Linklaters' worldwide staff have so far raised £120,000, which will be matched by partners up to a maximum of £500,000. The firm's London and Asian offices have also offered pro bono services in partnership with other magic circle firms and investment banks to assist in the rebuilding of roads and schools.


In the US, Washington DC-based Howrey Simon has pledged $1 million (£533,000).