This new project, developed in 2007, has been set up with BPBU and FRU specifically for the benefit of ELA members. It allows BPBU and FRU to tap in to the expertise of our members whilst offering our members invaluable professional development opportunities through pro bono case management.

In the pilot stage of this project, a small number of cases will be offered whilst we monitor the take-up. In time, we hope to increase the number of cases to match the demand from our members.

Each week, BPBU and FRU’s caseworker identifies deserving employment cases in need of pro bono assistance from an ELA member. ELA members are sent details of these cases and invited to volunteer to take a case (subject to the usual conflict checks). Once a volunteer has been identified for a particular case, and the necessary conflict checks undertaken, the volunteer will be sent the case papers by FRU/BPBU. As a volunteer you are therefore able to work on the case from your own office, to fit in with your work flow. The assistance of ELA members on such pro bono cases will be an invaluable contribution.

The first two cases requiring ELA assistance have been sent to us by BPBU and are summarised below. If you would like to volunteer to work pro bono on either of these cases, please send us an email by clicking on the ‘volunteer for case 1/2’ button. Volunteers will then be sent details of the parties, on a first come first served basis, so that the usual conflict checks can be undertaken. The case will be given to the first-comer who is conflict free.

Once a volunteer has been identified for a case, h/she will be sent the case papers by BPBU. As a volunteer you are therefore able to work on the case from your own office, to fit in with your work flow.

Neither case will require the volunteer to attend the hearings.