Nine barristers' chambers have received the Friends in Law special award in recognition of their generous support to both the Bar Pro Bono Unit (BPBU) and Free Representation Unit (FRU).
Friends in Law is a joint initiative between the FRU and the BPBU that recognises the financial contributions made by chambers to both organisations, neither of whom receive government funding and therefore rely solely on donations of the legal profession in order to continue their important work.
At a special ceremony on 13 July at Inner Temple, Chairman of the Bar, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, presented the nine chambers with their awards.
Of their vital role in supporting the two charities, the Chairman of the Bar, said: "The FRU and BPBU have critical roles to play in providing representation and help to people at a time when access to justice is so limited. The financial support given to both organisations enables this work to continue. We recognise in addition to financial support the many hours of pro bono work undertaken by barristers within the sets. This successful collaboration allows people to access justice who otherwise would find it difficult to do so."
2016 is the seventh year that the scheme has been in operation. Joining the Chairman of the Bar at the presentation were Jess Campbell, chief executive of the Bar Pro Bono Unit and Lorna Reid, chief executive of FRU.
The 2016 Friends in Law are:
- Devereux Chambers
- 12 King's Bench Walk
- Keating Chambers
- 3 Verulam Buildings
- 5RB
Additionally, One Crown Office Row, 11KBW, One Essex Court and 3-4 South Square have been conferred with special Platinum Friends in Law Awards to signify their significant financial contributions to both charities.
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