First Chambers to commit 100% of members to the Unit Panel!
9 Gough Square has officially become the first ever set of Chambers to have every single one of its 65 barristers commit to being on the Unit's panel of volunteers, willing to be approached when suitable cases arise.
We are thrilled at this bold display of support - with Chambers practice covering a wide variety of legal areas and the full range of members, from new tenants to those with over 40 years call, it really is an incredible boost for the charity and those we seek to assist. The move is one we should all be proud of as it represents the significant level of support for pro bono at the Bar and will greatly help those in need of free legal assistance.
On top of this, 9 Gough Square have also generously made a financial commitment for 2010/11. Such a contribution makes an enormous difference to the Unit (which is funded entirely by the Bar) and helps us to ensure that we can continue to provide our service in a time when it is desperately needed.
We can only hope that other sets follow this magnificent lead.
Head of Chambers, Grahame Aldous QC, said “9 Gough Square has a longstanding commitment to access to justice, including pro bono work, and I am delighted that all our members have confirmed their support for this initiative and helped us to build stronger links with the Unit, which does valuable work in these difficult times”.
“Long-term and effective partnerships are central to the way we work at 9 Gough Square. It is very important that our members of Chambers have recognised how vital is the Bar Pro Bono Unit and the contribution it makes to the Legal System. 9 Gough Square looks forward to working more closely with the Bar Pro Bono Unit over the years to come”. Ron Smith, Chief Executive of 9 Gough Square.
“With the pressures that the current economic climate is imposing on access to justice, assisting people in accessing justice is something I think is essential to my conscience as a barrister. The BPBU have a strong record of presenting cases for consideration that can really benefit from representation. Since being involved with BPBU, I have always been impressed by the level of feedback sought from me and also the appreciation extended by the Unit towards me. From a professional perspective, it has given me and many junior members of 9 Gough Square access to the sorts of cases we would not otherwise have had and has enriched my practice greatly”. Edward Lamb, barrister at 9 Gough Square.