Swindon-based law firm Withy King is celebrating after winning a coveted award for its contribution to a pro bono scheme set up last year to assist bereaved families and injured victims of the London bombings.
In July 2005, Withy King joined a select number of law firms to provide advice, on a free of charge basis, under an initiative set up by the Law Society, LawWorks a charity which encourages commitment to pro bono work from solicitors and the Government.
The partnership created the London Bombing Helpline, details of which were given out by the Red Cross, through the National Family Assistance Support Line, and by Transport for London.
The success of the Helpline has been recognised with the partnership achieving the International Financial Law Review Pro Bono Award 2006. The award commended the unique collaboration of the Law Society, LawWorks and participating law firms.
The Helpline provided legal support to help individuals complete application forms for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and advice on welfare benefits to family, child custody, wills and insurance matters.
Advice was also provided on the Lord Mayor's disaster fund set up to support families suffering from financial hardship as well as inquest, identification and death certificate issues.
Withy King's team of specialist personal injury, family and probate lawyers worked closely with the Law Society and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers to support victims contacting the legal Helpline.
The firm has previously provided advice to victims of major incidents, such as the Potters Bar rail disaster.
Chris Chan, partner at Withy King Solicitors and specialist in personal injury law, said: "The award is a tribute to all those who gave their time so readily and so promptly following the awful events in July last year.
"The Helpline worked tremendously well as callers' requests were passed to volunteers within minutes of being put onto the LawWorks web-based allocation system, which was set up following the Tsunami Disaster.
"This meant that early legal advice was available at a time when such support is crucial to victims and their families."
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