Neil Mackenzie

It is now available online, and those involved in the pro bono sector are being encouraged to read it – with a view to identifying any gaps and adding further information to this useful resource.

“This is the infant cousin of the much more extensive Guide to Pro Bono in England and Wales,” said Neil Mackenzie, convener of the FLSU. “But I suggest it is an important step in the right direction to help people in need finding the services they need, but also help to coordinate the efforts to meet that need.

“I have previously talked about the gaps, overlaps, and frictions in the pro bono legal sector. From a Faculty of Advocates’ point of view, these difficulties make it difficult to allocate our limited resources. How can we maximise the impact of the efforts of these individuals and organisations, to meet as much need as effectively as we can?

“The answer is, I think, by working collectively. We can do that by pooling information about who provides pro bono legal services and by collecting, analysing, sharing, and using data. That way, we not only increase the chances of the people in need finding the services they need, but also help to coordinate the efforts to meet that need,” he said.

The new guide marks an important step towards working collectively to signpost people to the pro bono resource or organisation which might best support their particular needs. Apart from being a directory of pro bono suppliers, it also provides an overview of the pro bono sector in Scotland.