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The first UK website to crowdfund public interest cases launched last month and reached its target to fund its first claim – the David and Goliath battle between a Colombian trade unionist and a British oil company.
Set up by former Linklaters solicitor, Julia Salasky, CrowdJustice is an online funding platform that brings people together to share the cost of taking legal action for issues that affect their community.
To submit a case, parties must have legal representation. They set the target they require and the site charges a fee of 5% of the funds raised.
Salasky said the legal aid cuts have made the need for crowdfunding more urgent, but that many vulnerable people have always struggled to access the law.
She said: “The courts shouldn’t just be for those who can afford it. We believe that there is enormous power in the community that can be harnessed to achieve legal change.”
Meanwhile, what is understood to be the largest public access case also used a type of crowdfunding to get off the ground.
Represented by Cotswold Barristers, a group of landlords challenged the legality of West Bromwich Building Society’s decision to hike its buy-to-let tracker rates by 2%. Though Mr Justice Teare found in favour of the building society, the group has been given permission to appeal.
The case was funded by the claimants pooling their resources, which were then paid into the Bar Council’s escrow account.
Paul Mosson, Director of Services at the Bar Council, said: “This case is an example of modern justice in action.”
A group of campaigners has raised through crowdfunding more than £50,000 to launch an advertising campaign highlighting the importance of the Human Rights Act. The move comes against the backdrop of Conservative Government plans to scrap the legislation. #ActfortheAct posters will appear across tube and rail networks.
The first UK website to crowdfund public interest cases launched last month and reached its target to fund its first claim – the David and Goliath battle between a Colombian trade unionist and a British oil company.
Set up by former Linklaters solicitor, Julia Salasky, CrowdJustice is an online funding platform that brings people together to share the cost of taking legal action for issues that affect their community.
To submit a case, parties must have legal representation. They set the target they require and the site charges a fee of 5% of the funds raised.
Salasky said the legal aid cuts have made the need for crowdfunding more urgent, but that many vulnerable people have always struggled to access the law.
She said: “The courts shouldn’t just be for those who can afford it. We believe that there is enormous power in the community that can be harnessed to achieve legal change.”
Meanwhile, what is understood to be the largest public access case also used a type of crowdfunding to get off the ground.
Represented by Cotswold Barristers, a group of landlords challenged the legality of West Bromwich Building Society’s decision to hike its buy-to-let tracker rates by 2%. Though Mr Justice Teare found in favour of the building society, the group has been given permission to appeal.
The case was funded by the claimants pooling their resources, which were then paid into the Bar Council’s escrow account.
Paul Mosson, Director of Services at the Bar Council, said: “This case is an example of modern justice in action.”
A group of campaigners has raised through crowdfunding more than £50,000 to launch an advertising campaign highlighting the importance of the Human Rights Act. The move comes against the backdrop of Conservative Government plans to scrap the legislation. #ActfortheAct posters will appear across tube and rail networks.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Family Law KC of the Year, talks to Anthony Inglese CB about the values that shaped her, the moment she found her vocation and, in an intensely personal call to arms, why time is running out for the legal aid Bar
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Thomas Roe KC and Andrew O’Kola respond to an article by Dr Leonardo Raznovich (Counsel , October 2025) – ‘Privy Council colonialism? Piercing the constitutional veil’
Chair of the Bar reports back
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
