Law Society extends funding support for increased access to justice

Anna O’Boyle is acting senior content and engagement coordinator at LawCareers.Net 

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The Law Society of England and Wales has announced a further three years of funding for charities which support access to justice and provide mental health support for those working across the legal profession. 

The funding agreement will run from November 2026 to October 2029. In the first year, LawWorks, a national charity that helps facilitate free legal advice and supports pro bono legal services, will receive £130,000, while LawCare, a mental health charity focused on the legal sector, will receive £170,000. 

The Law Society said the funding reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting those working within the legal profession and to members of the public who cannot afford legal advice. 

The Law Society’s executive director of membership and external affairs, Louise Hanson, said she was proud to announce the continued support for the two organisations and said: “Lawyers face intense pressures including long working hours, heavy workloads and burnout. Supporting the wellbeing of solicitors is a key priority for the Law Society.” 

Commenting on the importance of funding, Hanson stated: “Access to justice is fundamental and it is vital that there is support for those who cannot afford legal advice. We work closely with LawWorks to bridge that gap. They enable our members to deliver pro bono support and serve their communities.”   

LawWorks CEO Rebecca Wilkinson thanked the Law Society for its continued backing and said: The multi-year funding is particularly welcome, as it gives us greater financial certainty and enables us to plan ahead with confidence, making longer-term strategic decisions about how we develop and sustain our work.” 

Meanwhile, LawCare’s interim CEO Trish McLellan also welcomed the Law Society’s renewed commitment. McLellan stated that providing funding for “another three years sends a strong message about the importance of mental health and wellbeing across the legal profession”. 

McLellan added: “It means we can keep supporting people while also working to prevent poor mental health across the sector.”