HCLC News

Matrix Chambers has made a significant donation to support the setting up of ‘Community Law Shops’ in Hackney.

Through its ‘Causes Fund’, Matrix has pledged to pay towards the expenses of volunteer solicitors staffing the proposed Hackney Community Law Centre’s ‘Community Law Shops’ for their first two years of operation.  

The provision of extra solicitors and caseworkers in the Community Law Shops - supported and supervised by current Hackney Community Law Centre (HCLC) staff- will be a key component of HCLC’s efforts to engage with the needs of the local Hackney community.

The charity is already in talks with the London Borough of Hackney about identifying potentially suitable venues and premises. On Thursday 9th February 2012, HCLC manager Sean Canning (pictured centre) visited Matrix Chambers with HCLC Chair Ian Rathbone (pictured left) to thank them for supporting the Community Law Shops project idea and was presented with a cheque by the Matrix Chambers Chief Executive Lindsay Scott (pictured right).

Commenting on Matrix Chambers donation to the law centre, HCLC Manager Sean Canning said: “We are extremely grateful to Matrix Chambers for their financial support at a difficult time.  Hackney Community Law Centre is very keen to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest quality services for those in our community who need us.  Matrix Chambers’ donation will go some way to helping us get our idea of new Community Law Shops firmly off the ground”.

Matrix Chief Executive Lindsay Scott said: “All of our members and staff pay a percentage of their income into our Matrix Community Fund and I am delighted that through this fund we have been able to assist such an essential local community initiative in their amazing efforts to achieve legal assistance and justice for all”.