On Tuesday next week – 28th June – I will be
getting the train (I hope!) to London to do my second London Legal Walk. Last
year I did it as part of my trio of legal walks in Liverpool, Carlisle and London.
This year it is just London and then of course Liverpool in September.

The London walk is a unique experience. In 2021 there were
8500 walkers across 650 teams. Walkers include the Lord Chief Justice, members
of the Supreme Court, Members of Parliament and celebrities including the
legend that is Judge Rinder.

Why do we do it?

The 2022 walks come at a time when the need for free legal
help has never been greater. As we head deeper into the cost of living crisis,
people need help with advice on debt, housing, welfare benefits, employment and
of course immigration. Law Centres and similar agencies perform a heroic
service for the country in meeting that need. They are able to keep their doors
open because of the support that they get from the legal profession and from
charitable trusts.

My first job as a real lawyer (!) was at the Vauxhall Law
Centre in Liverpool. We thought we had it tough. But with local authority funding
and legal aid, we didn’t know we were born! Vauxhall is still providing
fantastic support for people in inner city Liverpool –

Or how about this from the other side of the country in Suffolk
–

This is the sort of work that is done across the country.
Much of it gets little publicity. Where would we be without it!

The legal walks are part of the heartbeat of centres like
this.

This is why we do it!

This year I am walking with a team from the Society of Labour
Lawyers. You can support the cause by visiting this link –

https://londonlegalsupporttrust.enthuse.com/pf/society-of-labour-lawyers

Every penny, or fiver, or more counts!

If you are doing the walk I will be at the Knights Templar
Pub from about 3.30pm. Come and say hello and share a selfie!!