News and stories
Advocate news
ATP: A small contribution making a big difference
During the Authorisation to Practise (ATP) process on MyBar, you will see an option to support Advocate by donating £35 - a simple step that helps keep our service running. Please support us if you can.
Marking two years of Birmingham CLIPS
Advocate recently marked the second anniversary of the Birmingham Chancery Litigant in Person Support Scheme ("B-CLIPS") with a celebratory reception. B-CLIPS was established two years ago to provide on-the-day advice and advocacy for unrepresented parties appearing on the Interim Applications List of the Business and Property Court.
Advocate hold sold out Christmas Carol Concert fundraiser with LawWorks for pro bono
Hundreds of people joined Advocate and LawWorks for our eighth annual Christmas Carol Concert - Carols for Pro Bono - raising over £24,000 in total for our two charities.
Stories from the Bar
A message from Sharif A. Shivji KC, Chair of Advocate, as you complete your Authorisation to Practise
As barristers complete their annual Authorisation to Practise, Advocate Chair Sharif A. Shivji KC invites the profession to support Advocate.
Growing practice with purpose: Zoe Bushby on choosing pro bono through Advocate during pupillage
Zoe shares why she chooses to undertake pro bono work in the South West through Advocate to not only give back to others, but also because of the support available, which has in turn helped her develop professionally and gain transferable skills.
Lawyers for Lobsters: Markus Findlay's story
From making burritos in Shoreditch to the front line of pro bono work, barrister and former Advocate caseworker Markus Findlay of Doughty Street Chambers shares his pro bono journey as we kick off our 30th year.
Stories from people we support
Fighting for fatherhood: How pro bono collaboration helped a parent reclaim his role - Bryan's story*
When Bryan came to Advocate, he was facing every parent’s worst nightmare. A final court order had stripped him of his parental responsibility, changed his child’s surname without his consent, and restricted him to indirect contact only. He was desperate not to lose his relationship with his child. Alone, and without the means to challenge the decision, Bryan turned to Advocate for help.
Challenging a rogue landlord: Leanne’s story
Leanne lived for over two years without hot water in a property that was unfit for habitation. Despite repeated complaints, her landlord refused to fix the boiler, and even attempted to unlawfully enter the property while she was inside. After facing rent arrears, much distress and a job loss, Leanne sought legal support through Advocate, where our volunteer barristers stepped up to help.
Lawyers team up to provide pro bono support in tragic inquest case
Karen approached Advocate for help on behalf of her partner, Sarah, whose son took his own life. Barristers Sunyana Sharma of 3PB and Markus Findlay of Doughty Street Chambers volunteered to assist at the inquest, with the support of a team of solicitors from Arnold & Porter.
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Newsletter
We have launched a monthly Advocate Top Ten newsletter! The aim is to create a fun, easy-to-read roundup of news, stories, quotes and shout-outs.