Join us for an engaging session tackling the pressing need for accessible family law advice within the limitations of the current legal aid system.
Given the drastic reduction in eligibility for family legal aid following LASPO 2012, the lack of legal aid lawyers in many areas, and the difficulties in finding pro bono family advice particularly outside cities, there is a real issue of access to justice for family matters. Discover how an innovative collaboration with RCJ Advice is paving the way for a pro bono initiative, empowering specialist family lawyers to provide impactful one-off advice supported by a cutting-edge online platform.
This session will explore how Resolution members can contribute to meaningful change, offering crucial support to individuals navigating complex family proceedings.
Date: 2 June 2026
Time: 9.30-11.30am
Location: Online
Key takeaways
- There is a significant unmet need for free expert family law advice in the UK. Many people cannot access advice or representation, contributing to delays in the family courts and disputes that affect children. Many family lawyers are willing to provide pro bono support, but there is currently no infrastructure to enable collaboration at scale.
- Free legal advice providers are chronically underfunded. Many clinics lack the capacity to triage, administer and signpost clients, or supervise non-specialist lawyers, despite the importance of effective triage.
- The project will offer pro bono mediation and arbitration, alongside signposting to trusted family law information online.
Meet the trainers
Sarah Higgins
Sarah is a very experienced family partner at Charles Russell Speechlys. She is a trained mediator, children arbitrator and a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).
Sarah leads the pro bono offering for the family team. We run two remote family clinics. Sarah is a partner ambassador for SafeLives, a charity partner of the firm whose aim is to end domestic abuse, and has helped to run their Cultural Change Training for family lawyers. She has set up a pilot children arbitration scheme, and co chairs the IAFL pro bono committee.
Kerry Stares
Kerry leads Charles Russell Speechlys’ Responsible Business and pro bono practice. She has particular expertise advising on ESG-related risk management issues, including modern slavery and wider human rights risks in the supply chain, greenwashing risks and governance gaps.
Alongside her practice, Kerry has a management role at the Firm, leading the development and implementation of the Firm’s own Responsible Business Strategy, working closely with Senior Management, the Firm’s Board and dedicated Responsible Business Steering Committee.
Rita Suglani
Rita Suglani is the Director of Family Legal Services at RCJ Advice, a Citizens Advice and Law Centre supporting people across England & Wales who need legal advice but cannot afford a lawyer. Rita is a qualified solicitor with over 30 years of experience of providing expert legal advice to individuals and families in both private practice and charities.
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