Eccles-Bech: CICA claims especially appropriate for pro bono
Manchester Law Society has called for firms to join a pro bono advice rota to help those bereaved or injured in the Manchester Arena bomb on Monday.
The society is looking for firms who are willing to give pro bono advice and free representation to bereaved families to assist with applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and with inquests.
It also looking for firms willing to give pro bono advice to seriously injured people to assist with CICA claims.
Chief executive Fran Eccles-Bech said that other areas that may require legal advice include administration of estates, property ownership/mortgage, insurance, welfare benefits, family/child custody, death in service/pension, and financial obligations/debt.
“It is appreciated that there may come a time when a particular issue, for example a complex contested probate litigation, might need to handled on a non pro bono basis and as such on a conditional fee agreement.
“However, we do believe that in the early to medium term, the approach of member firms should be totally pro bono.”
Ms Eccles-Bech said CICA claims were “especially appropriate” for pro bono help throughout. “Since costs are not paid by the scheme, it will be important for bereaved families and injured victims to receive 100% compensation.”
Those willing to act should email their name, firm, full contact details and area of speciality to FranEccles-Bech@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk
