Not Beyond Redemption was delighted to be highlighted in an article published by The Law Society Gazette, written by Matthew Shankland, the head of Sidley’s London-based Disputes Resolution practice and Chairman of the London Office Pro Bono Committee, and Chloe O’Brien, Pro Bono Counsel.  Sidley has supported Not Beyond Redemption since June 2021, when Matthew and Chloe helped established the partnership between Sidley and Not Beyond Redemption.  We are so grateful to have them as part of our team.

“The charity Not Beyond Redemption is an excellent example of how some in the legal sector have attempted to address that need. Established by family law solicitor Camilla Baldwin, it is the only charity that provides legal advice and representation in court for mothers in prison.

Partnerships between Not Beyond Redemption and law firms aim to ensure that high-quality family law advice is available to these women. It is estimated that 17,700 children are separated from their mothers by imprisonment, and only 5% remain in their own home once their mother has been sentenced. Pro bono legal advice is therefore crucial to the provision of access to justice for these mothers and their children.

Sidley Austin was a foundational partner with Not Beyond Redemption, and multiple other firms have since joined the project. After training under the supervision of specialist family lawyers, lawyers from Sidley and other firms advise mothers on family law children proceedings during and after prison. In 18 months, the programme supported more than 30 mothers to re-establish or maintain contact with children.”

To read the full article please click the link here: Legal aid, free advice and virtue signalling