Monthly pop-up family pro bono clinic launched at 1MCB

A monthly pop-up pro bono family law clinic was launched at 1 Mitre Court Buildings (1MCB) last week.

Dubbed Pop-Up@1MCB, the clinic was set up in response to the all-time high demand for pro bono advice following the government’s cuts to legal aid, which have excluded thousands of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people from accessing justice, particularly in the areas of housing, immigration, welfare rights and criminal law, which most effect family cases. The clinic is a partnership between 1MCB; South Westminster Legal Advice Centre; Children and Families Across Borders; and LawWorks, and is the first of its kind.

Julie Clarke, practice manager at 1MCB, said: “Since the legal aid changes we have seen a marked increase in the number of clients coming to our clinics for advice on family law matters. Often they are emotionally distressed, confused by the court system and unable to put their case clearly. Their cases involve such basic issues as access to their children, protection from domestic violence, housing and finance. They need, but cannot afford proper legal advice. It can be heart-rending. The family law Pop-Up@1MCB will be hugely valuable in assisting such clients to obtain justice. We are delighted to be associated with it.”