Advocates offer free service in needy cases
20 Nov 06
Bar commits to helping deserving cases that do not qualify for legal aid
Volunteers from the Faculty of Advocates are offering their services for free in deserving cases where a party would otherwise be unrepresented.
So far, 63 advocates have joined the Free Legal Services Unit, including QCs Donald Findlay, Richard Keen and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell. Under the scheme, members of Faculty will help out in any court, generally in civil cases, where a partydoes not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford representation.
Cases will be those which justify engaging counsel and which have a reasonable prospect of success.
Stephen Woolman QC for the Faculty said that advocates took their community responsibilities seriously. Before legal aid was introduced, senior members of Faculty would defend those accused of murder for free, and the new idea was just a fresh take on that.
Cases will be referred from agencies such as Citizens' Advice Scotland, Strathclyde University Law Clinic and the Scottish Child Law Centre.
Mr Woolman added that he hoped the scheme would change people’s perception of "fat cat" lawyers.
The Faculty is also offering free advice through trainee advocates, who will give written legal advice and appear for individuals at tribunals.