Law Centres Network Intervenes in Mazur Appeal to Address Access to Justice Implications
Law Centres Network Intervenes in Mazur Appeal to Address Access to Justice Implications
The Law Centres Network (LCN) has been given permission to intervene in CILEX’s appeal in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys [2025]. The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal between 23-26 February. The expedited listing of this appeal reflects its importance, as the case so far has already attracted significant attention and debate across the legal sector, with much of the commentary focusing on its impact on high-volume commercial firms. Represented by A&O Shearman and PJ Kirby KC and James Hall of Gatehouse Chambers on a pro bono basis, LCN’s intervention seeks to ensure the court is also able to consider the implications for non-commercial, access to justice organisations such as Law Centres. These operate in areas where financial margins are extremely low but the human stakes are exceptionally high.
The High Court held that “conducting litigation”, by law a reserved activity, cannot be delegated to an unauthorised person, even under close solicitor supervision. LCN’s concern is that the judgment does not clearly address the unique position of Law Centres, which are not themselves organisations authorised under the Legal Services Act 2007 (although they have certain rights under section 23 of the Act) but which employ authorised solicitors who supervise highly experienced, specialist caseworkers.
Julie Bishop, chief executive officer, Law Centres Network, said:
“Our intervention is about seeking clarity. Law Centres work within the regulatory framework and are committed to high standards of supervision and provision of legal services to the public. But the judgment leaves uncertainty about how that framework applies to access to justice organisations like ours. Without clarity, there is a real risk that people facing eviction, loss of income or discrimination will find it harder to access legal help not because their case lacks merit but because of how regulation is interpreted in practice. We need a definition of ‘conduct’ that is proportionate, workable, and grounded in the public interest.”
PJ Kirby KC added:
“Access to justice for the most disadvantaged in society is central to LCN’s intervention and it seemed only right that James and I agreed to deal with the appeal on a pro bono basis and we are delighted that A&O Shearman agreed to act on the same basis, thus demonstrating the commitment of the whole team to ensuring that the law and the courts are not the preserve of only the rich and powerful.”
Maeve Hanna, partner at A&O Shearman, said:
“The issues raised in this appeal go to the heart of how legal services are delivered to those who need them most, and we are proud to assist the Law Centres Network in this important intervention. Law Centres provide an essential safety net for vulnerable individuals facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and the regulatory framework must be clear to ensure this vital work can continue.”
“It has been fantastic working alongside PJ Kirby KC, James Hall, and the dedicated team at LCN to ensure the Court of Appeal has a full picture of what this decision could mean for access to justice in this country.”
Law Centres operate a model based on high-level expertise and cost effectiveness. Many of their most experienced caseworkers are not solicitors but have specialist knowledge who manage the day-to-day progress of essential cases under the supervision of regulated solicitors. Under LCN’s membership requirements, each Law Centre must employ at least two solicitors with a minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience in order to meet strict supervisory standards.
Against the backdrop of long-frozen Legal Aid rates, Law Centres already operate under severe financial pressure. If every step of litigation must now be carried out personally by a solicitor, capacity will inevitably reduce, limiting the number of people who can be helped and further undermining equitable access to justice.
LCN’s intervention is intended to assist the court by explaining how legal rules operate on the frontline of the justice system and to support a regulatory approach that protects the public while enabling Law Centres to continue their vital work.
About the Law Centres Network (LCN)
The Law Centres Network (LCN) is the national membership body for Law Centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Law Centres are not-for-profit legal practices that provide free, independent legal advice and representation to those who cannot afford it.
Staffed by solicitors and specialist caseworkers, Law Centres focus on social welfare law, including housing, immigration, welfare benefits, and discrimination. Since the first Law Centre opened in 1970, the Network has grown to 41 local centres dedicated to helping the most disadvantaged members of society protect their homes, livelihoods, and families.
For more information, visit: https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/
About A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman is the transformational law firm, created to achieve unparalleled outcomes for our clients’ most complex, multijurisdictional matters across an ever-changing world and regulatory landscape. A firm of nearly 4,000 lawyers, including circa 750 partners, working across almost 50 offices in 28 countries, A&O Shearman has the experience, diversity of skills and backgrounds, and global understanding to stay at the forefront of the changes across every sector, market, and jurisdiction around the world.
A&O Shearman is an international legal practice comprising Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP and its affiliated undertakings.
About Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers is a leading modern set with specialist expertise across commercial dispute resolution, construction and engineering, costs and litigation funding, insolvency and restructuring, insurance, private client, professional liability and property law. Its members handle the full breadth of complex commercial and civil disputes.
With 111 barristers, including 16 silks, Gatehouse Chambers has the scale and depth to act in major litigation and arbitrations both in the UK and internationally. Its barristers are regularly instructed on high value and high profile matters and appear in courts and tribunals at every level.
Gatehouse Chambers also has substantial cross border experience, acting in disputes throughout Europe (including the Channel Islands and Gibraltar), the Middle East (including the Gulf states), the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Learn more at gatehouselaw.co.uk
