MLRC values partnerships
At MLRC, we value each and every donation we receive from our supporters.
Mercy Law Resource Centre are very grateful for the support of our current corporate partners Mason Hayes & Curran and A&L Goodbody.
In 2018, MLRC built upon an existing project with the assistance of our corporate partners A&L Goodbody to develop a pro bono housing law clinic. The project is an innovative housing law clinic operated from the Focus Ireland service in Temple Bar. The housing law clinic is a partnership between Focus Ireland, A&L Goodbody, and Mercy Law Resource Centre which was supported and facilitated by the Public Interest Law Alliance. It consists of legal advice given at weekly clinics and follow up legal representation. The support of ALG assisted MLRC in building upon the current housing law clinic programme which was established in 2010. Managing Solicitor for MLRC, Rebecca Keatinge notes that:
“We are delighted to expand this model of legal advice and to enhance our reach through this pro bono partnership. We greatly value the partnership with A&L Goodbody, Focus Ireland and PILA and look forward to building on the positive impacts of this important project.”
A&L Goodbody Managing Partner, Julian Yarr, notes that:
“Access to justice lies at the heart of our pro bono practice. All our lawyers are encouraged to use their legal skills to tackle the most complex and challenging social issues in our community. The work at the housing clinic is challenging but this collaboration has enabled us to apply our skills and knowledge to support individuals and families out of homelessness. The partnership we have with Focus Ireland and Mercy Law allows us to do just this and we’re incredibly proud of the difference we can make together.”
In order to facilitate the programme, MLRC works closely with Pro Bono Associate Eithne Lynch.
Aside from our pro bono partnership programme, MLRC is also thankful for the number of in kind donations we receive from our supporters, including but not limited to: reduced rent and utilities; pro bono legal services by barristers and pro bono expert reports from doctors/psychologists and engineers. In speaking of her work with MLRC, Teresa Blake SC noted:
I have had the pleasure and privilege of being instructed as a barrister to represent clients of Mercy Law for a number of years. For me there are four stand out qualities I have experienced in the service that is Mercy Law – these are responsiveness, professionalism, openness and hospitality. I love being associated with Mercy Law and its work and here’s why. One of the first things that struck me about Mercy Law was its responsiveness to a plight, problem or issue represented by the housing circumstances of an individual or family who looked for help. Continue reading here.
MLRC is also grateful for the financial support we receive from our current corporate sponsors Mason, Hayes and Curran. MLRC is also delighted to be developing partnerships with local businesses, and is grateful to Adonis Flowers for naming MLRC as their charity partner for January 2020.
Do you think your company can help?
MLRC always welcomes any input from the business community in how we can further extend our service to meet the urgent demands placed upon us. Whether its skill sharing, creative and marketing consulting, fundraising, event sponsorship or just a helping hand, your business will benefit from partnering with an organisation that has a well-established reputation and expertise in the areas of housing, homelessness and related social welfare law. Our policy work continues to influence the wider discussion in relation to housing. Adding to that, MLRC have been featured prominently on radio and in national and local print media for the work we do, as well as having a large social media presence. MLRC are seen as unique, innovative and passionate and are considered leaders in our sector. Working in partnership with MLRC hugely benefits the impact that MLRC can have on those who are on the extreme margins of society and have additional barriers in accessing legal services, rights and entitlements. Partnering with MLRC has the added the advantage of association with the only law centre in Ireland specialising in this area.
MLRC are looking for new partnerships with businesses partners that can make an impact. We love hearing from people as passionate about their work as we are, and would be delighted to engage with your corporate social responsibility team or committee. If you are interested in arranging a meeting to hear more about our organisation and how you can partner with us, please contact Siobhán on (01)4537459 or email siobhan@mercylaw.ie.
