It was a privilege, earlier this month, to speak at the opening event of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the Vauxhall Law Centre in Liverpool. I was Solicitor at the Law Centre from 1980 – 1983. It is a scary thought that I left almost 40 of those 50 years ago! The centre opened in 1973 and was in effect a joint venture between Liverpool Law Society and Liverpool City Council.
Access to Justice was always the primary aim. But 50 years ago
the problem of such access was a bit different from today. This is an extract
from the initial Constitution –
The unmet need was all about the absence of local solicitors.
This was a time when Legal Aid funding was widely available, especially via the
famous Green Form Scheme under which legal advice on virtually any legal topic could
be provided free of charge, or a modest contribution. I regularly used the
scheme to assist with Welfare Benefits Advice, Debt and of course Housing Conditions. But there were no local lawyers...
The centre was also partly funded by the City Council who covered running costs and provided the initial accommodation in Sylvester Street. It is fair to say that this was always a running issue for the centre. As early as 1976 there were proposals to end this relationship. This led to an intervention from Sir Christopher Hewitson, then President of Liverpool Law Society and later national President. This made the local press –
I mention this now to demonstrate what a remarkable
achievement it has been for the centre to get to a half century in the face of
these trials! The challenge of providing access to justice has changed dramatically,
particularly since 2013 and the huge reduction in legal aid availability. At a time when more and more people are
desperate for legal help there have never been a greater need.
The Law Centre is now a Charitable Trust which has benefited from funding from the Liverpool Legal Walk – watch this space! – the John Moore’s Foundation and individual support such as from Ian Byrne MP, West Derby, who donated his payments received as a City Councillor after election to Parliament. A strong team of solicitors, case workers and volunteers provide heroic work to those in need. I particularly want to mention David Taylor who joined in 1989 and is still going strong to this day...
In my speech I briefly mentioned the history and importance
of a community working together for justice. I also mentioned the powerful
partnership of the Law Centre and the Liverpool legal profession. I have seen
from my involvement in the Liverpool Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee
and the Legal Walks that the city has led the way for many years. Long may this
continue…
