Launch of the Leeds-BPC LIP Scheme and Yorkshire Pro Bono Committee

On Monday 19th June, our Schemes Caseworker Jessica spoke at the launch of the Leeds Business and Property Court Litigant in Person Scheme (“Leeds-BPC LIP Scheme”). This also included discussions about the formation of the Yorkshire Pro Bono Committee.
 
Around fifty representatives from local chambers, firms, charities and law schools were in attendance at the event, kindly hosted by Squire Patton Boggs. The event was supported by Judge Bond, HHJ Gosnell and HHJ Hillier, as well as Jason Pitter KC, Leader of the North Eastern Circuit. 

Discussing the new Scheme, designed to provide on-the-day assistance to LIPs making applications in the Business and Property Court, we heard about the demand for this type of duty LIP support and the many benefits of volunteering through the Scheme, followed by some practical guidance on how the scheme will function and a demonstration of the new webpage and online rota. 

This was followed by discussions, lead by David Barraclough (Chair, Yorkshire Legal Support Trust) on the wider need to bring together the pro bono work currently being carried out in the North East through the formation of a Yorkshire Pro Bono Committee. Our Schemes Caseworker, Jessica, spoke alongside Fatima Bhula (LawWorks) and Chelsea Brooke-Ward (Park Square Chambers) about existing pro bono opportunities in the area and the many ways to get involved, as well as the growing demand for pro bono legal assistance outside of London and the opportunity that a more unified approach provides to address this.  

If you're interested in volunteering for the Scheme or would like any further information, please contact Duncan Heath at duncanheath@enterprisechambers.com, or our Schemes Caseworker Jessica at leedsbpc@weareadvocate.org.uk.