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  • The Lawyer asks what it's like to work at FRU
    Wed, 01/11/2023 - 14:33

    https://www.thelawyer.com/what-its-like-to-work-for-the-free-representation-unit/

    2022 was completed by the publication of an excellent article about our secondment scheme with Linklaters LLP.

    Long-standing FRU sponsors The Lawyer magazine carried a feature on the experience of our last three Linklaters' secondees; Madeline Chan, Rosie Vince and Scott Miller.

    In the article FRU CEO David Abbott is quoted as praising the secondments for how invaluable they have been and is open to partnerships with other law firms who might also wish to get involved in the future. “Without the generous support from Linklaters and its secondees, we wouldn’t be able to offer as many people free representation. Having more partnerships would enable us to make what we do go further and help more people at a time when they really need it.”

    “What I want people to see is that it’s not just good for us – it is a great business opportunity for them. It is a chance to do something that makes a tangible difference to people’s lives and gives secondees skills they might not otherwise get in a law firm.”

    If your law firm would be interested in exploring a potential partnership, please contact us at admin@thefru.org.uk.

  • Christmas Office Closure
    Tue, 12/06/2022 - 11:58

    The FRU office will be closed during the festive period.
    Our last working day is Monday 19th December 2022 and we will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

  • FRU features in leading Law Society publication
    Tue, 11/29/2022 - 15:06

    FRU's service has been highlighted in the autumn edition of Central London Lawyer, the magazine of the Westminster & Holborn Law Society. FRU Chief Executive David Abbott was asked to be the guest editor for the edition, which focusses on pro bono. Westminster & Holborn Law Society has over 10,000 members working in some of the largest and prestigious law firms in the UK.

    David writes about barriers to and motivation for undertaking pro bono legal activity, encouraging lawyers to see pro bono as useful to them as it is to their clients.

    The magazine also features a piece by a recent secondee to FRU from Linklaters LLP. Scott Miller writes about his experience at FRU and how it helped him in the next stage of his legal career.

     

  • Helen Moizer blogpost 23 September 2022
    Tue, 11/29/2022 - 14:57

    I remember hearing about the Free Representation Unit (“FRU”) whilst I was studying for my Graduate Diploma in Law. There was a buzz about the charity and I heard how students were running their own cases and working directly with clients. Wanting to get involved with this, I attended FRU’s training and put myself forward to volunteer for social security cases whilst studying for my Bar Course. I began writing submissions, preparing for tribunal appeal hearings and representing real-life clients, giving me on the ground experience, with a lot of responsibility.  Read the full blog here. 

  • Marathon pro bono heroes go the extra mile for FRU
    Tue, 10/04/2022 - 10:30

    Huge congratulations to our four runners in the 2022 London Marathon for completing the course and raising thousands of pounds to support our work.

    FRU Chief Executive David Abbott said "Our thanks go to Holly Stout, John Mehrzad KC, Ashton Squires and Jonny Castle for their brilliant achievements. We don't receive any public funds and need to raise almost half a million pounds each year to maintain our service. We're so grateful to our runners and all their supporters. It's not too late to donate to any of their fundraising pages. Particular thanks go to Ashton Squires as he also swam 10k in the same week as running the marathon!"