Wharf lawyers send aid to Africa

The International Lawyers Project has been busy training and advising others in the Third World.

Project director Sarah Poland said: "The downturn has affected a lot of lawyers. They might feel they want to spend some time thinking about pro bono opportunities.

"Now they can help the poorest 50 nations in the world at a time when there are people who might have the time to give before the work picks up again.

"We're trying to look beyond ourselves and see how we can help other people. There's never been a better opportunity for lawyers to get involved in something different like this."

The charity has been focusing its attention on Tanzania, where it has sent 28 lawyers in the last six months.

It has been helping at a new law school in Dar es Salaam, while previously it was involved in training Tanzanian lawyers in advocacy when they set up a mock courtroom.

Sarah said: "A lot of barristers in Tanzania have little training about standing in front of a judge.

"Many have little experience in being in court so we can help develop those advocacy skills that are useful."

Sarah was a journalist before moving to LawWorks, which links lawyers to UK charity work.

She then became involved with the idea of launching a similar version helping those abroad, after she was approached by a City lawyer from Jomati Consulting, Tony Williams.

Sarah said: "Tony spotted what he thought was a great opportunity to involve senior lawyers in this sort of pro bono work abroad. The trustees got together and then I developed it.

"We had tremendous support from many law firms who were very interested."

Sarah set up the charity in Clifford Chance at Upper Bank Street.

That was three and a half years ago. She now has help from interns and a PA.

But the key to her success so far is the work of lawyers from across the City and Canary Wharf who have put their names forward.

The group has mailing list of 700 volunteers. While the charity always welcomes more lawyers, Sarah said she also wants help from those in other sectors, as well as - like most charities in the current downturn - cash investments.

She said: "At a time where asking for finance tends to hit the wrong note we're never the less always keen on securing funding for these projects so we can continue the work.

"We're also keen to attract not just lawyers but people with an investment banking background and accountancy.

"If you can get the legal structure built up you are much more likely to attract investment. It all helps.

"It's a call to arms. I'm very keen to hear from anyone in Canary Wharf who would be willing to join us or combine projects."

- Wharf companies involved in the project include Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy.
- Trustees include City lawyer Tony Williams, ex-head of legal at Royal Mail Catherine Churchard, Clifford Chance head of public policy Michael Smyth and Martin Richards, a former Clifford Chance lawyer.
- Go to internationallawyersproject.org