Everybody loves a good story. Writing and collecting them is essential for providing examples of and celebrating the hard work of pro bono professionals and helping to garner both media attention and funding. The NPBC can provide a freelance story writer to organisations that do not have the capacity to write and collect their own.
After fleeing domestic abuse, Samantha* and her three children were housed by the council in a two-bedroom temporary flat. Samantha’s eldest son suffers from Pompe disease, a deteriorating muscle condition that means he requires constant care. The accommodation did not meet his needs, and he was unable to use his wheelchair or frame there.
Joely* is a child with complex sensory needs and autism. When her local authority allocated her to a school that wouldn’t be able to meet her needs, her parents wanted to appeal the decision, but knew they would need help.
*Liam, a young man in his early 20s, was the driver of a car involved in a fatal accident. When he turned up at Coroner’s Court to give evidence about the death of the other driver, his behaviour was erratic and he had trouble recalling the accident.
After Ava* moved abroad with her husband and young daughter, her husband became financially and psychologically controlling and abusive. He would drink and take drugs, while Ava was working three jobs to support the family.
It is not only seasoned lawyers who can take on pro bono cases. Law students are keen to help vulnerable clients and gain valuable legal experience by volunteering and being supervised by qualified lawyers.
Back in 2012, Drumragh was the only integrated Catholic/Protestant post-primary school in the district of Omagh, Northern Ireland. There were so many people who wanted to send their children there that Drumragh submitted a development proposal to the Department of Education. It was denied.
Many pro bono cases involve a lawyer coming to the urgent aid of an individual who is suffering because they cannot access justice. Sometimes, however, lawyers commit help to an organisation on a longer-term basis. This is an exceptional illustration of the latter.
When local shopkeeper Derek* discovered that Fatima*, an elderly woman, was desperately trying to help her family emigrate to the UK from Afghanistan, he persuaded her that he could help them be granted an entrepreneurial visa if they invested in his business. Fatima believed him.