*/
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.
In this month’s column, Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC highlights the many reasons why barristers should pay the Bar Representation Fee and back the Bar Council’s efforts on behalf of the profession
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Leading legal DNA, drug, and alcohol testing provider AlphaBiolabs has made its first Giving Back charity draw of 2024 with Andrew Sibson, a Legal Officer at Leeds City Council, being chosen as its first winner
Discover Lloyd’s unique approach to financial planning and experience working with barristers
Trust Delaunay Wealth to stand by your side amid the uncertainties ahead, writes Lloyd French
Lighting fires that cast unfairness into the shadows, creating history at home and abroad, and being comfortable with who you are – the remarkable criminal and international human rights barrister Kirsty Brimelow KC
Marking International Women's Day, Will Tyler KC interviews two female silks at the helm of two huge specialist Bar associations about their lives and careers – finding a common theme both to their success and the challenges facing their respective Bars
No longer an exclusive boys’ club, but still some way to go. To mark International Women's Day, Millie Rai describes what it’s like being a young female barrister at the Commercial Chancery Bar
If we fail to nurture women’s collective talent, half the population of this country will not be properly represented – from the junior Criminal Bar right up to the senior Judiciary. We cannot let all the hard work be undone, says Tana Adkin KC on International Women's Day
In this month’s column, Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC highlights the many reasons why barristers should pay the Bar Representation Fee and back the Bar Council’s efforts on behalf of the profession