Legal eagles of Northamptonshire braved stormy skies for access to legal system

Representatives of the legal profession in Northamptonshire stepped out in the rain last week as they raised money for the Access to Justice Foundation.

Over the years the foundation has invested in several charities dedicated to addressing the gap in Legal Aid here in Northamptonshire, including the Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council.

On Wednesday, 12 July students and staff from the University of Northampton (UON) joined local law firms, chambers, and in-house legal teams, as well as those who have a passion for access to justice, for either a 5km or 10km walk.

Ayshea O’Brien, UON’’s Senior Lecturer in Law attended the walk with Walter William, said: “The heavens opened just as we set off, but walking in the rain was a small price to pay compared to the importance of access to the legal system.

“The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people in a variety of ways and the legal profession is seeing an increasing number of people who don’t qualify for Legal Aid, but still can’t fund their defence.

“Contrary to common conception, the legal profession is a caring profession and the great turnout we have for these walk shows the passion in the county for fairness and inequality where it matters the most.”

To find out more, visit the Access to Justice Foundation website.