Chambers receive Friends in Law recognition for contributions to FRU and BPBU charities

Friends in Law has awarded special recognition to nine barristers’ chambers for the support they give to both the Bar Pro Bono Unit (BPBU) and Free Representation Unit (FRU).

Neither the BPBU or FRU receive any government funding, so the two charities jointly set up Friends in Law as a way to recognise the financial contributions they receive from chambers, which are vital in enabling them to continue in their work. At a ceremony at Inner Temple in July, Devereux Chambers, 12 King’s Bench Walk, Keating Chambers, 3 Verulam Buildings and 5RB were all named Friends in Law for 2016, while One Crown Office Row, 11KBW, One Essex Court and 3-4 South Square all received special Platinum Friends in Law awards in recognition of their significant contributions.

Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, the chairman of the Bar, presented the awards. Doerries said: “The FRU and BPBU have critical roles to play in providing representation and help to people at a time when access to justice is so limited. The financial support given to both organisations enables this work to continue. We recognise in addition to financial support the many hours of pro bono work undertaken by barristers within the sets. This successful collaboration allows people to access justice who otherwise would find it difficult to do so.”