BLP creates East London pro bono offering

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has used National Pro Bono Week to launch its first law clinic and to sign up to a pro bono protocol.

The firm has opened a free legal advice centre at Sonali Gardens Community Centre in Shadwell, in conjunction with solicitors pro bono group LawWorks, offering local residents advice on housing and money matters.

Around 35 BLP lawyers, including partners, have signed up, said BLP corporate social responsibility project manager Alison Klarfeld.

BLP also wants to have a billable hours target dedicated to pro bono work.

The firm announced that it was a signatory to the protocol written jointly by LawWorks and the Bar Pro Bono Unit. The text, signed so far by 102 other firms, chambers, in-house groups, law schools and other bodies, lays down what standards should be delivered in pro bono work.