“Meanwhile money is sitting there, unused, in a range of situations. Unclaimed client accounts are one example, but there are no doubt others if we think ambitiously and creatively.” Lord Goldsmith a nnounced the first funding grants made by the Access to Justice Foundation, a charity which provides financial assistance for pro bono legal work. More than £25,000 has been distributed between 14 organisations in England and Wales. The winner of this year’s Sydney Elland Goldsmith Bar Pro Bono Award is Andrew Walker of Maitland Chambers, who successfully represented a couple who faced eviction after entering into a “sale and rent back” scheme. He persuaded the court to set aside the entire transaction, and the case attracted a £20,000 pro bono costs order in favour of the Access to Justice Foundation. John Gallagher , Principal Solicitor, Shelter, said “as a result of Andrew’s skilled and innovative arguments, the case broke new ground”. In addition, more than 50 “pro bono heroes” attended a Parliamentary reception hosted by the Attorney General, Baroness Scotland QC at the beginning of Pro Bono Week 2009 (9-13 November). They were nominated by members of the Attorney General ’s Pro Bono Committee, which includes representatives of the legal profession and the voluntary sector. Baroness Scotland said: “It’s not in the nature of those who act pro bono to seek out recognition or praise for their eff orts. Th e reception is a way of celebrating the work the pro bono heroes carry out.”