Faculty's Free Legal Services Unit given a refresh

The Faculty of Advocates’ Free Legal Services Unit ("FLSU") has been reconstituted to provide a better service to eligible applicants, convener Neil Mackenzie KC has announced.

Mr Mackenzie was speaking at a networking event at Parliament House, to mark last week's Pro Bono Week. The event was attended by Faculty members, devils, representatives from the FLSU’s accredited agencies and other guests involved in pro bono activities.

The FLSU coordinates the provision of pro bono legal advice or representation by Faculty members and devils to eligible applicants referred by the Unit’s accredited agencies. It assists individuals and community groups who cannot afford to pay for advice or representation and where legal aid or other funding is not available.

"The reconstituted FLSU’s review panel is made up of senior counsel who judge each application on merit", Mr Mackenzie said. "Successful applications are then sent out to FLSU volunteers, which include devils and newly called advocates right up to King's Counsel. Each participant in the FLSU has given freely of their time to help here." 

He commented: "Having emerged from Covid, we have had an opportunity to reflect on legal services and the unmet need many members of our communities have for legal advice and representation. In the place of proper, publicly funded legal aid we now have a giddying patchwork quilt of organisations providing or funding legal advice and representation, including solicitors, law clinics and advice centres."

Mr Mackenzie stressed the importance of legal professionals giving back and being part of something bigger. "The FLSU advises those that instruct us without fear or favour. We have a long history of providing pro bono legal assistance to eligible applicants."

The FLSU also participated in the #GreatLegalBake campaign, a bake sale held during Pro Bono Week to raise funds for worthy charities. Proceeds, along with monies donated by Faculty members, devils and Faculty will be split between Edinburgh Community Food and the Scottish Refugee Council.

Find out more about FLSU here.