LawWorks for Community Groups has recently been awarded a Big Lottery Fund grant to expand its services nationwide and reach community groups and charities who might be in need of free legal advice to strengthen their organisational structure and / or internal policies.

LawWorks for Community Groups (a project of national charity, the Solicitors Pro Bono Group, operating under the LawWorks name) was set up four years ago to match small not-for-profit organisations in need of free legal advice with a network of volunteer lawyers. To date they have helped around 750 organisations receive free advice in all areas of law including company law, employment, property law, intellectual property, etc. Over 50 law firms and companies participate in this national scheme and they regularly evaluate the project to make sure an efficient service is provided.

Examples of assistance include:

· Company law: (such as advice on contracts; how to incorporate the organisation as a company / Community Investment Company; updating and amending the organisation's Articles of Association and other constitutional documents);

· Employment law: drafting, reviewing and updating employment contracts and staff handbooks.

· Intellectual property law: advice on registering a trademark and data protection issues.

· Property law: advice on lease terms; assistance with negotiating tenancy agreements.

· Other areas advice is available on include: charity law matters; tax/VAT matters; insolvency and help in drafting contingency plans; insurance law matters; health and safety law matters; general commercial matters etc.

To apply, please visit the LawWorks website (www.lawworks.org.uk) and complete the online application form under the “Not for Profits” section.

When an application is received it is reviewed by the Community Groups team. Project staff help community groups understand the scope of advice that they require. They will then select the right volunteer lawyer for the case and put you in contact with them. All of the volunteer lawyers treat these cases just as they would treat ones for which they have been paid. It really is that simple!

Any questions? Please call 020 7090 7359 or email lcg@lawworks.org.uk.