LETTER:Verdicts on the legal profession
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Ms Nicola Jayne Enston
Sir: It is admirable that certain eminent barristers are prepared to undertake work for no fee in response to Tony Blair's plea for lawyers to improve citizens' access to justice. Unfortunately, legal aid is scarce and it is likely to become something of a rarity if the proposals contained in the Green Paper Legal Aid - Targeting Need are implemented.
Nevertheless, it is unfair to expect lawyers to resolve the problems of inadequate government funding, by urging them freely to donate their professional services. It should not be forgotten that many experienced and inexperienced barristers already undertake pro bono work on a regular basis throughout organisations such as the Free Representation Unit.
It is time that misconceptions about lawyers being affluent, extravagant and selfish were corrected, when the reality is somewhat different.
It will be interesting to see if doctors and surgeons are approached in the same way and asked to treat patients on a pro bono basis to improve access to health care.
Yours sincerely,
Nicola Jayne Enston
Colwyn Bay, Clwyd
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments