LawWorks' Richard Pitkethly talks to Greg Hodder, Access to Justice Foundation (ATJF) about pro bono cost orders, which provide vital funding for free legal help.
Pro bono costs are just like ordinary legal costs, but applicable where a party received free legal representation. If a civil case is won with pro bono help, pro bono costs can be ordered by the court, or included in settlements. The free legal help may be provided by any lawyer in the proceedings.
The costs cover any period when free representation was provided & the amount is based on what a paying client would recover.
The costs are paid to the prescribed charity - ATJF, which distributes the money to projects that give free legal help. Front line agencies responsible for obtaining pro bono costs can expect to receive up to 50% of the costs recovered.
For more information: www.atjf.org.uk/pro-bono-costs-orders.html
