MLRC was delighted to take part in Ireland’s first Pro Bono Week. The week was organised by Public Interest Law Alliance (PILA) in collaboration with A&L Goodbody, Arthur Cox and Trust Law.
Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday 5 November, Rachel Power of PILA highlighted that the new initiative was to celebrate the work of many lawyers who share their expertise with those on the margins of society who cannot afford legal assistance. The week highlighted the need for increased pro bono participation within the legal profession and also that pro bono, although an invaluable asset to organisations such as MLRC, is not the answer in the long term rather than proper provision of civil legal aid was key.
The launch day began with a ‘Legal Health Check’ hosted by Arthur Cox. The event provided an opportunity for charities and social enterprises to avail of free legal training in the key areas such as date protection, employment, charity law and charity contracts.
In the evening, A&L Goodbody hosted a panel discussion between Rachel Power of PILA; Wendy Young, President of KIND; Eithne Lynch, Pro Bono Associate A&L Goodbody; Carol Ann Minnock, Pro Bono Associate Arthur Cox and Sarah Farrelly, Legal Manager at Trust Law.
The event highlighted the invaluable contribution lawyers can make to not for profits by sharing their expertise, allowing them to have real impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable and marginalised persons in society. Eithne Lynch spoke about the impact of the work of A&L solicitors on the housing law clinic. A project which is run in partnership with Mercy Law Resource Centre and Focus Ireland. Watch the below video to learn more about our housing law clinic partnership.
While MLRC wholly recognises that pro bono is not the long term answer to vulnerable persons gaining meaningful access to justice, we do however note the invaluable impact that pro bono work has had on the lives of our clients. MLRC are very grateful for our current corporate partners Mason, Hayes & Curran and A&L Goodbody. We are also immensely grateful to the barristers and non-legal professionals who assist MLRC annually on a pro bono basis.
MLRC is seeking new partnerships with the business community to further extend and enhance our services. Supports come in many forms: skill sharing, creative and marketing consulting, fundraising, event sponsorship or volunteering. Pro bono partnerships reap many benefits for businesses, particularly when partnering with an organisation such as MLRC, that has a well-established reputation in the areas of housing, homelessness and related social welfare law and adheres to high standards of governance and financial accountability.
If you are interested in arranging a meeting to hear more about our organisation and how you can partner with us, please contact Danielle on (01)4537459 or email danielle@mercylaw.ie.
