A Step in the Right Direction
Spencer West Walkers raise funds for London Legal Support Trust
On Monday 18th October, nine Spencer West Partners donned their walking boots and, together with over 650 teams of 8,500 fellow walkers, hit the streets of London to take part in the 10K London Legal Walk in support of The London Legal Support Trust (LLST).
Following a very difficult and uncertain 18 months for everyone that works within the free legal advice sector, the 2021 was a welcome event. The London Legal Walk, sponsored by the Law Society of England & Wales, raises much-needed funds for charities that provide life changing legal advice and representation to those in need. As team-member Hugo Cox put it, “Justice is a universal human need but unfortunately a need that is not always met.”
The LLST helps to support over 100 frontline free legal advice charities in London and the south-east. So far, this year’s walk has raised over £550,000 and donations are still coming in (you can add your donation here). The funds raised contribute significantly towards the survival of many of the agencies that support people with issues including debt, homelessness, domestic violence and employment problems.
Private Client Solicitor Žyginta Urbonaitė feels very close to the project. When discussing #whywewalk she said, “I recently started volunteering at The South Westminster Legal Advice Centre. The LLST provides a grant to the centre each year and all other legal advice centres across London. I have first had experience how important it is to support people who need legal advice but are not able to afford it and cannot receive legal aid.”
Executive Assistant Lauren Tierney added, “I was inspired to join in the London Legal Walk and support the work of LLST, as access to justice should be for everyone, not just the privileged.”
Starting at Carey Street, the Spencer West Walkers opted to follow the Parks Route through Central London, taking in some of our capital’s most beautiful landmarks, stopping along the way to enjoy a much needed ice cream and a cup of tea courtesy of Real Estate Partner, Sivan Gelb. The very British weather didn’t dampen spirits as our team enjoyed the sites of Horseguard Parade, Buckingham Palace and The Serpentine. The walk concluded with a welcome rest and a cold glass of wine in the Law Society as the group began to plan their next adventure!
Ian McDowell, Spencer West’s Community Engagement Director, thought the walk was a huge success. “I went on the walk to get to know colleagues better, and I certainly managed to do that!”
Team coordinator, Family Law Partner Julie Taylor agreed, “It was fantastic to meet everyone in person. Such a lovely group of people to be working with. I am very thankful to everyone who joined in and those who sponsored us in support of this amazing cause.”
Don’t forget you can still support the London Legal Support Trust and our team of Spencer West walkers by adding your donation here.
