Providing free legal representation for the public
and advocacy experience for junior lawyers
We note with sadness the death of our patron Lord Igor Judge on 7 November 2023.
Lord judge was a FRU patron for many years and was a strong supporter of our service. We observed one minutes silence in memory of Lord Judge at our 50th anniversary celebration event on 8 November.
Everyone here at FRU sends our condolences to Lord Judge's family and friends.
We have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of our foundation over the last 12 months. Our celebrations will culminate with a high-profile event on 8 November.
The event, being hosted at 39 Essex Chambers, will feature a keynote speech by Lord Justice Underhill, Vice-President of the Court of Appeal (Civil Division) and FRU patron The Secret Barrister. We are also delighted that some of FRU's founding members will be present.
To see more details and to book your ticket please visit our fundraising events page.
We were delighted to hear that former FRU Assistant Legal Officer Helen Moizer has successfully completed pupillage and been offered tenancy. Helen has taken tenancy at No18 Chambers, based in Southampton https://www.no18chambers.com/our-people/barristers?view=barrister&id=55. Helen has established a mixed practice, and recently successfully undertook an EAT case for FRU pro bono.
FRU Chief Executive David Abbott said "it is fantastic to see our legal staff and volunteers progressing in their legal careers. Helen has earned her achievement through her fantastic legal skills and through hard work. Helen has written about how working at FRU gave her essential experience and contributed to the development of her skills".
Helen wrote about her time with FRU in this blog.
Everyone at FRU sends Helen our congratulations and wishes her well for the future.
The FRU phone lines will be closed on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st September.
If your query is urgent, please email admin@thefru.org.uk.
Incredible FRU fundraiser Holly Stout has completed three huge events to raise over £8000 to support our service. Holly has completed Swim the Serpentine (twice!), the London Marathon and Ride London to achieve what is known as the London Classics. Completing these events for FRU makes Holly our largest individual fundraiser.
Said Holly "As a student lawyer, I gained so much from the opportunity to make such a positive difference to people facing legal proceedings they found so stressful. I am delighted to support FRU in its brilliant work. FRU is a fantastic organisation, providing advice and representation where it is needed most, to those who cannot afford to pay and in tribunals where legal aid is not available. As a judge, I see how support from organisations such as FRU makes a significant contribution to the efficient administration of justice as well as being of enormous benefit to the individuals themselves.
I've now received the London Classics medal, inscribed "Et Ego Londinium Vici" ("I conquered London"). And I've done it all in aid of the FRU!"
FRU Chief Executive David Abbott said "Holly's achievement is incredible. She has swum, run and cycled 130 miles to support our service. Holly certainly has conquered London and we're so grateful that she has raised such a huge amount to continue our work. Holly deserves a well-earned rest now!".
Each year we need to raise £500k to maintain our service. To fundraise for FRU please see our fundraising page or email admin@thefru.org.uk.
Pictured: Holly with her London Classics medals.