November 7, 2019
Red Lion Chambers are delighted to mark Pro Bono Week (4-8th Nov) as it celebrates its 18th year. Chambers has always played a pivotal role in undertaking pro bono work as well as working with a number of charities over many years. Latest 2019 statistics highlight that over half of RLC members offer support to charitable and legal charity organisations including the Bar Pro Bono Unit, Advocate and the Centre for Women’s Justice to name a few.
In 2019, Chambers were involved in representing the HS2 protesters who wanted to bring to attention that deep excavation work risked polluting one of London’s largest underground drinking water reservoirs. Sailesh Mehta, who practices environmental law at Red Lion Chambers represented the main protester in the HS2 Protests- a three day trial which resulted in an acquittal. He says:
“There is a gap between those in need of representation and those able to obtain it. It is alarming that the gap is widening. Most criminal barristers care deeply about access to justice – that is why they came to the Bar.It is incumbent on us, whatever our profession, to put aside a few hours to help those who would otherwise fall through the cracks in the system.”
Gillian Jones QC, Joint Head of Chambers who recently worked with the Centre for Women’s Justice says:
“Chambers takes great pride in working with disadvantaged members of the community, recognising that free legal help is needed for those who do not have the resources to navigate the intricacies of the Criminal Justice System. We are proud to champion Pro Bono week and will continue to help those who need it most.”
For further information www.probonoweek.org.uk (Social Media Tags #wedoprobono #probonoweek )