Pro bono work at 3 Serjeants' Inn
3 Serjeants’ Inn is committed to pro bono work. It is our policy to ensure that litigants without the means to pay can access legal representation. We accept pro bono instructions only through the Bar Pro Bono Unit, Free Representation Unit and other accredited organisations. 3 Serjeants' Inn undertakes pro bono work in all relevant areas of specialisation. It is an important part of life for all our barristers, including the most senior. See here to download a copy of the Bar Pro Bono Unit's latest review, in which Nick Salt, senior clerk, is quoted.
Nick Salt is Senior Clerk at 3 Serjeants' Inn and supports the Unit in a variety of ways, particularly helping to place cases within chambers. "I cannot remember how it came about that I got involved with the Bar Pro Bono Unit but I can tell you that it has proved to be a very worthwhile experience. We have worked on a relationship that has allowed each member of their staff to feel comfortable about approaching us with any instructions they may wish to place and I have been encouraged by how many members of 3 Serjeants' Inn have been keen to take on the work when availability has allowed. In order to understand the problems that the Unit face in placing their work members of my clerks team have spent time in the Unit and members of staff at the Unit have spent time in chambers on a reciprocal basis. The result is a close relationship that benefits us all and I would commend this approach to others."
Examples of our pro bono work include:
Clinical negligence: Tim Meakin frequently acts for clinical negligence claimants on a pro bono basis including in cases relating to failure to diagnose and kidney problems.
Medical ethics: Huw Lloyd acted recently for the parents of an infant receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. See here for more information.
Medical crime: Andrew Hockton acted for Dr Pepperman in his successful appeal against conviction for indecent assault. See here for more information.
Inquests: Michael Mylonas acted for the family of Roger Goswell, who murdered his wife and killed himself while in a disturbed mental state. See here for more information.
Judicial review: Conrad Hallin acted for the interested party in R (on the application of (1) Douglas Fraser (2) Kevin Short (claimants) v National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (defendant) & BB (interested party) [2009] EWHC 459. See here for more information.
Professional discipline: Ranald Davidson has acted for two doctors who did not have cover from their medical defence organisations at the GMC's registration committee.
Employment: James Berry represented the claimant in a case concerning unfair dismissal and redundancy.
Personal injury: Tim Meakin acted for a claimant in a Fatal Accidents Act matter.