The role of lawyers to effect positive social change is one way to overcome the difficulties brought about by the economic downturn.
PhD candidate Maria Antonieta Nestor from Trinity College has written an article on Community Economic Development or "CED". This involves the use of legal mechanisms, social policy and community development to advance the rights of those who are disadvantaged within the community. In assessing the development of CED in Ireland, she cites the creation of "New Beginning", a recently formed group of lawyers, business people and concerned citizens using the law to protect vulnerable home owners. Readers of the Bulletin may recall a piece on New Beginning from an earlier edition . Other community initiatives mentioned in the article are the Legal Education Programme at Ballymun Community Law Centre and the work of the Limerick Regeneration Agencies.
Please click here to see Maria Antonieta Nestor's article.
Pro bono group LawWorks are to commence a free legal advice service in Scotland early this year. The proposal is supported by Lord Advocate Eilish Angiolini and the Chief Executive of the Law Society Lorna Jack. Like its English equivalent, the group hope to attract the services of law firms in Scotland and LawWorks will provide training for volunteer lawyers in a range of areas.
The service will be provided through the Citizens Advice Bureau in Scotland and efforts will be made to branch out to areas of Scotland where no such service has previously existed.
Commenting on the new project, Chief Executive of the Law Society Lorna Jack said "Solicitors already carry out a great deal of pro bono work, much of it never publicised, and LawWorks will provide a more coordinated approach, as well as encouraging others in the profession to get involved. This can never be a substitute for a properly funded legal aid system, but I'm sure LawWorks Scotland will be welcomed by the profession and public alike."
Please click here to see more information.