Our charity helped 50% more new clients to access support and advice for their pressing needs. although 64% of all our clients lived alone, only 46% of the new clients last year lived alone, indicating a rising number of couples and people with children getting in touch for support in 2022. Research revealed that 39% of new cases over the past 12 months were from ethnic minority groups, though this was a fall from 54% in 2021. The overall percentage of people we supported from these demographic groups was 33%. These figures continue to be ahead of the representation of solicitors from ethnic minority groups in the profession. The figures showed that 61% of new clients were white (a total of 67% new and existing); 18% were black (14% new and existing); 12% were Asian (12% new and existing) and 9% were from other demographic categories (7% new and existing). The Big Report 2023 shows that 30% of the solicitors we helped have worked in general law; 12% of our clients have worked in family law; 10% in property law; 7% civil law; 5% commercial law; 5% criminal law; 7% personal injury; 5% public sector law; 3% private and 16% other types of law. The Solicitors’ Charity CEO Nick Gallagher said: “I am delighted that this year’s Big Report has shone a spotlight on the positive impact we have made in 2022 to an increased number of legal professionals needing support in times of hardship. “Our charity helped 50% more new clients to access support and advice for their pressing needs. We are proud to have awarded a total of £962,299 to those solicitors facing financial and personal difficulties, particularly during the UK’s cost-of-living economic downturn. “The Big Report clearly demonstrates the activity that our charity has undertaken in the last 12 months and compares the new statistics to previous years, giving a clear view of the nature, volume and profile of support we deliver for solicitors when times get tough.” One of the clients helped by The Solicitors’ Charity was London property conveyancer ‘Dan’ (not his real name) who contacted us when he hit his lowest point – with no job, in debt and a family fallout which had left him homeless. The charity helped him on the first steps to recovery. Temporary hotel accommodation was found, and Dan’s caseworker helped him arrange to live in supported housing. Dan was also given a financial award to clear his debts, and a further award to help him with daily living costs until he found employment. The charity’s caseworker also discussed the services he could be referred to for help with mental wellbeing and with career transition support. “The financial support and accommodation provided by The Solicitors’ Charity really helped me get back on my feet,” Dan said. “The best thing now is being debt-free, having a roof over my head and a warm room. If the charity hadn’t been there for me, I don’t know what would have happened. They’ve been massively helpful and a real lifesaver.” You can download a copy of The Big Report at https:// thesolicitorscharity.org/bigreport/, or find out more about The Solicitors’ Charity by visiting https:// thesolicitorscharity.org/. EXPERT INSIGHT 63 Contact Nick Gallagher CEO The Solicitors’ Charity www.thesolicitorscharity.org
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