The four Inns of Court together with the Barristers’ Benevolent Association (BBA) have set up an emergency fund to support barristers affected by the crisis. It aims to give financial assistance to those who have contracted the virus or those, particularly but not exclusively, at the publicly funded Bar, in financial difficulties because their work has been affected. To find out more, or donate, click here.
Chair of the Bar, Amanda Pinto QC said: ‘All four Inns are making a substantial donation to the BBA so, regardless of which one you belong to, this fund will help those barristers who are unable to support themselves and their families as a result of the current crisis.
‘This is an important and valuable initiative to help ensure that the Bar remains a strong and integral part of the justice system. Because of the seriousness of the situation, we expect demand for the BBA’s Covid-19 appeal to exceed what can be provided by the BBA, but the more donations those who can afford it make, the more people it will be able to help. The BBA can only help those who have held a brief, so each Inn will be providing separately for their members (such as very junior tenants and pupils) who are ineligible for this fund.’
Meanwhile, the Solicitors Benevolent Association (SBA), the charity for solicitors in need, has set up a COVID-19 Support Hub for solicitors affected by the coronavirus crisis. The SBA team is working remotely and can be contacted as usual 9am-5pm on weekdays. As well as providing grants and loans, SBA is a valuable source of advice and resources, including the latest updates on the coronavirus. Visit the SBA at www.sba.org.uk.
Recently released statistics for 2019 from the SBA showed the charity awarded £986,087 to solicitors and their families in need during the year, £821,249 in grants and £164,838 in interest-free loans. Among beneficiaries, 70% were aged 60 or under (15% were 40 years old or younger, 26% were aged 41-50 and 29% were aged 51-60).
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