A Yorkshire law firm has passed a milestone by donating more than £1,000,000 of free legal advice.
Led by Grahame Stowe, the firm now operates across seven locations in Leeds and Harrogate.
Mr Stowe’s wife, leading divorce lawyer Marilyn Stowe, has also been applauded for her pro-bono work. While working with GSB, Mrs Stowe unearthed crucial medical evidence which secured the release of Sally Clark, wrongly convicted of murdering her two sons. She runs her own firm, Stowe Family Law.
Mr Stowe said: “Pro-bono advice is a way law firms can really contribute and put something back into the communities they work in. It is far more effective than just handing over a cheque.
“I’m very proud that we have sustained this commitment for over a quarter of a century and am delighted with all the work the team has put in to achieve this milestone.”
Paul Marsh, president of the Law Society, said: “The value of GSB’s pro-bono work should be an inspiration for other law firms and businesses. It has shown a real commitment to providing access to justice, which is priceless to those who benefit from the advice provided.”
Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem) said: “I believe this is an essential and much needed service, particularly as legal aid funding is becoming ever more difficult to access.”
Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East: “The public often believes that lawyers only care about the fees they are paid and not about the clients they represent. GSB is a firm that shows clearly why many lawyers went into their profession: to help vulnerable people who need legal advice gain equal access to the law, one of the essential elements of a real democracy.”
During November the practice waived £50,000 in fees as part of Will Aid, a national initiative where lawyers donate their services to support nine UK charities including the NSPCC, the British Red Cross and Help the Aged.
The firm’s expertise has also been recognised by Leeds University, which appointed GSB to provide pro-bono advice to its students.
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