Lawyers at more than 100 firms across the UK have offered to give pro bono advice to those affected by the Manchester bombing.

The Manchester Arena attack left 22 people dead, including several children, and more than 100 injured when a suicide bomber struck after a concert by Ariana Grande. In the wake of the atrocity, the Manchester Law Society appealed for lawyers to help bereaved families and the seriously injured. In particular, to assist them with claims from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, but also the sad business of administering the victims' estates and arranging child custody.  

Over 180 lawyers answered the call. They volunteered from local firms and chambers, but also from the northern and even London offices of national and City firms, including Freshfields, BLP, Ashurst, Addleshaw Goddard, DWF, Trowers & Hamlins, Slater & Gordon, Irwin Mitchell and Clifford Chance. Staff at the RCJ advice bureau also volunteered, as well as the in-house legal team at Manchester City FC.

    Manchester, after the attack 

So did lawyers at Keoghs, including trainee solicitor Angeli Vadera. She explained to RollOnFriday, "My fondness of Manchester started when I was fortunate to have studied law in the city. As I was originally from the Indian community in the North West, I had grown up in an inclusive and diverse society". Manchester was similarly inclusive, she found. And while the Manchester attack "traumatised the whole region", it "provided an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its strength and willingness to help others". Vadera said the Manchester legal community "is just one of those pillars supporting the affected families, reflecting that we all act as one".

Chief executive of the Manchester Law Society, Fran Eccles-Bech, said, "All too often lawyers get a bad press. This goes to show their generosity of spirit". She said, "Like everyone else in the community, we just want to help in any way we can, and offering free legal advice to those affected by this week’s tragedy in Manchester is what we can do best. I know ours is a small contribution in the face of the enormity of the impact of the attack on so many people’s lives, but I hope we can help even a little".

Anyone else willing to help should email [email protected].
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Comments

Roll On Friday 02 June 17 12:09

Very good.
I think she means
"My fondness for Manchester began when I was fortunate enough to study law in the city. As I am from the Indian community in the North West (which mixes a lot with other cultures unlike some communities) I grew up in an inclusive and diverse region". Manchester was similarly inclusive, she found. And while the Manchester attack "traumatised the whole region", it "provided an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its strength and willingness to help others". Vadera said the Manchester legal community "is one of the pillars of the community which is supporting the affected families. This shows [other than the terrorists] that we all act as one".

Anonymous 02 June 17 13:35

A noble gesture. Lydia, wind your neck in; there are very few who want to know what you think.

Anonymous 02 June 17 15:53

Did you just re-write that Lyds, and not change the meaning one iota, but suggest it better reflected what she meant?

Anonymous 09 June 17 07:14

No one likes you, Buzz. Stop derailing a legitimate article on a serious tragedy to win points against Lydia, as mental as she may be. I know it's par for the course for you to be mean and spiteful, but just try holding off for once, please.