Solicitors shortlisted for two major awards

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, one of Colchester’s leading law firms, is celebrating the news that it has been shortlisted for two major awards in recognition of its work helping vulnerable groups of people who need legal support.

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP which runs the Tendring Outreach Scheme, a publicly funded advice service, has not only been nominated for the Business in the Community Awards 2007 - East of England Pro Bono Company of the Year award, but has also been shortlisted in the solicitors organisation category of the prestigious Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards.

The firm launched the Tendring Outreach Scheme in October 2005 with funding from the Legal Services Commission, but funds a lot of the time spent on the project itself. It operates from the Citizens Advice Bureau offices in Clacton and Harwich and offers specialist legal advice on housing, community care, family law, education law and welfare benefits.

Partner at Fisher Jones Greenwood, Nigel Humphreys who manages the scheme, said: “Without us, people would have to travel to Colchester and beyond which is obviously costly and time consuming. By placing specialist solicitors at the heart of communities those most in need can have access to legal advice. We are of course thrilled to have been shortlisted for these two awards. “

Such has been the demand for these services that solicitors working on the project have also been providing free training for workers and volunteers in the voluntary sector so they can give ‘low level’ legal advice before referring them on to the scheme.

As a member of the ProHelp network, the firm has been undertaking pro-bono work for a number of years. Most recently it has helped Colchester’s Youth Enquiry Service to secure new premises in Head Street and a group of local residents to save the Straight Road Community Centre from redevelopment.

Senior Partner at Fisher Jones Greenwood Tony Fisher said: “As far as we are aware Fisher Jones Greenwood is the only firm in North Essex to offer specialist legal advice in housing and community care law.The Tendring Outreach Service was set up in response to a dire shortage of legal advice in the area and we are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for these awards. We operate another project, Lawyers for Young People, which is a national pilot providing advice and assistance to children and young people in the care system. We are dedicated to continuing our pro bono work and it is a real tribute to the hard work and unfailing dedication of all those involved in these areas of work within the firm.”