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. 

Grahame Stowe is senior partner at the law firm Grahame Stowe Bateson.   

Mrs Regan even asked for him to be returned home with her after he was taken to hospital the night before he attacked her in her flat in Leeds.
He had been taken to an accident and emergency unit after exhibiting bizarre behaviour.

Today Regan denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and this plea was accepted by the prosecution.
He also admitted wounding a railway manager with intent.

Judge Peter Collier QC heard that Mrs Regan suffered a series of stab wounds to her head and neck when her grandson attacked her in her home in Marlborough Grange, Leeds, on June 1 last year.

She was found with part of a broken knife embedded in her eye.
The court heard that Regan’s mental health had deteriorated in the early part of the year.

In the days before the incident he had been arrested by police and after his release claimed officers had tried to rape him.

He also claimed aliens were trying to get him, and that “reptilians” were all over the place.

Jeremy Richardson QC, prosecuting, told the court that, as the defendant became more delusional, he claimed his grandmother was a paedophile.

He was taken to accident and emergency at St James Hospital, in Leeds, on the night before the attack.

Regan was assessed by a mental health nurse who weighed up whether to release him with medication or to detain him under the Mental Health Act.

But Mrs Regan asked for her grandson to come home with her.
Graham Hyland QC, defending, told the court: “It was Pat Regan’s wish for him to come home with medication. Tragically that wish, born out of her love and concern for the welfare of her grandson, cost Pat Regan her life the following morning.”

After sentencing, Judge Collier asked whether health professionals could learn lessons for the future from the way in which Regan was dealt with at the accident and emergency unit.

He stressed he was not seeking to criticise anyone’s decisions and said “hindsight is a wonderful thing”.

But he urged health trusts to examine situations where families ask for relatives suffering from mental illness not to be detained.

He added: “It’s important to understand that those involved who made the decisions at the time were acting entirely properly.”

Mrs Regan founded the Leeds branch of Mothers Against Violence, a voluntary organisation dedicated to offering support and education to those affected by violent crime.

Her motivation was the murder of her son Danny, who was gunned down on his doorstep in St Helens, Merseyside, in December 2002.

The judge heard the defendant was badly affected by this shooting.
He was told that this and a serious assault on him may have contributed to his mental health problems.

The judge also praised railway station manager David Clark, who was attacked by Regan at Leeds Station after he killed his grandmother.

The court heard Regan was found on the tracks at the station and he attacked Mr Clark, who was trying to stop him going back on to the rails.

Mr Hyland said: “He loved his grandmother and she loved him.

“It’s perfectly clear that were it not for the onset of this terrible illness these events would not have occurred.”

Speaking afterwards, Regan’s solicitor, Grahame Stowe, said: “This is a very tragic case for Rakeen’s family.”It shows the clear dangers that follow when a serious mental disorder goes untreated.” Mr Stowe said his client had the “full support” of his family. “They fully support Rakeen,” he said. “Essentially, it was not his fault.”

The court was told Regan would be detained at the Rampton special hospital, near Retford, in Nottinghamshire.

Mortgages are now difficult to come by and difficult to keep, with economic experts warning that the dire situation is likely to get worse over the coming months and years.

It is far from surprising then that the number of homes being repossessed in West Yorkshire has soared in recent months.

The latest figures, compiled by the Ministry of Justice, make ominous reading.

In Leeds mortgage possession actions have been launched against 858 properties already this year – that works out as 12 per cent more claims than last year. Elsewhere in the region, the rising repossession rate has been even more dramatic. Dewsbury saw 457 mortgage possession actions launched – a rise of 24 per cent, while Wakefield has seen actions launched against 259 properties – a rise of 28 per cent. The biggest hike has been in Bradford with 918, a 36 per cent jump.

Advice charity National Debtline said it has seen a 30 per cent increase in the past year in the number of worried callers who have fallen into arrears on their mortgage.

So Consumer watch has teamed up with a leading Leeds-based law firm to bring you a guide to avoiding repossession.

Grahame Stowe, senior partner at Grahame Stowe Bateson, said: “Householders who are struggling with their finances need to be aware that no matter how grave their situation, it may be possible to come to some agreement with their mortgage provider.

“The worst thing that someone can do is to sit back and pretend that it isn’t happening. Even after court proceedings have been issued, it may be possible to find a workable solution.”

Advice to vulnerable householders:

1. Make sure you can afford a mortgage from the outset. This piece of advice does not just apply to first time buyers. Many cheap fixed-rate deals are due to expire so homeowners looking to remortgage should consider their options very carefully.

The key points to consider are:

What you can afford – review your monthly outgoings alongside your and income and work out exactly what you can afford;

Will your salary increase year on year – be truthful, is this a definite?

Always assume the worst by working on the basis that interest rates will rise;

2. The terms and conditions of your house loan. If in doubt, seek advice from a solicitor or another industry professional. Take immediate action if you find yourself struggling. Don’t ignore the warning signs. If you are living month-to-month and finding it difficult to meet mortgage payments or you miss a payment, burying your head in the sand and hoping that the problem will go away will only make the situation worse. The best possible course of action is to contact your mortgage provider at the earliest opportunity. Explain your situation, and ask to discuss ways to work together to avoid any repossession proceedings. Before you call, make sure you have information about your budget to hand. Be realistic about what you can afford. It is rare for mortgage providers to recoup their investments when homes are repossessed, so it is in their interests to negotiate with you and come to some form of agreement.

This could be by way of:

A payment holiday – a temporary period during which the borrower does not have to pay anything towards the mortgage, or is permitted to make reduced payments,

Capitalising arrears – when arrears are added to the total mortgage debt. Please bear in mind, however, that this solution can raise the cost of your monthly instalments in the long run, changing to an interest-only mortgage – converting a repayment mortgage to an interest-only mortgage can reduce the size of monthly instalments.

“Whatever you do, do something,” warned Mr Stowe. “Never ignore demands by your mortgage provider for outstanding arrears. If they feel that you have ignored their letters or phone calls your mortgage provider will be less willing to seek an amicable agreement with you. Work with them NOT against them.” 3.  Check to see if you are entitled to state benefit assistance such as tax credits or child benefit.  It is estimate that people in the UK are missing out on benefits and tax credits worth £5million a year. 4.  Keep your wits about you; beware of companies offering to help you avoid repossession by buying your property and renting it back to you.  Very often the purchase price offered is below market value and the rent you will be charged will most likely be over and above the average rental price in your area. 5.   Consider selling your property yourself.  If you simply cannot afford your mortgage, in the long term, you should consider selling the property yourself while you are still living there to get a higher price. 6.  Know your rights.  If the situation deteriorates and the bailiffs arrive at your home remember that they do not have the right to force their way into your home, said Mr Stowe.  “They are not permitted to push past you if you answer the door to them, however, they are allowed to climb over your fences and gates and gain entry through the doors and windows that have been left open.  Note that the bailiffs may attempt to gain entry by attempting to walk past you, asking to use the telephone or inviting themselves inside.  “You do not have to let them in.  Once inside, a bailiff will attempt to find and seize any goods of value.”

What to do if you are facing repossession

If worst comes to worst and you face losing your home, the best thing to do would be to seek legal advice immediately as court proceedings are likely to have been issued against you.

When meeting your solicitor:

1.  Prepare a thorough breakdown of your budget and take it to your first meeting;

2. Take a copy of your mortgage agreement, and all correspondence with your mortgage provider. This will help your solicitor get to grips with the situation quickly and enable them to help you devise some realistic options.