A solicitor’s firm based in Liverpool’s commercial district is celebrating the successes of its pilot legal surgery programme that was set up to empower people.

Catherine Higgins Law, a values-led legal practice based in The Cotton Exchange on Old Hall Street, teamed up with Liverpool-based charity, Rotunda, to provide local residents with free initial legal advice across a four week period.

Following positive feedback and the successes of the pilot scheme, Catherine Higgins Law is now going to be rolling out free 20-minute legal surgeries for the rest of the year at Rotunda on a monthly basis. The next legal surgery will take place between 9.30am – 12.30pm on Tuesday, May 19.

The pilot scheme provided residents in the North Liverpool area with the resources to address and resolve legal problems or concerns at no cost to them, in Rotunda’s relaxed, community-led environment.

Attendees at the legal surgeries commented that they found the workshops “helpful” with one Kirkdale resident adding that after they received free legal guidance from the Catherine Higgins team “a weight was lifted from their shoulders”.

Catherine Higgins, managing director of Catherine Higgins Law, said:

“The response to our legal surgeries was fantastic! Individuals who previously felt that legal advice was unavailable to them were granted a platform to voice their concerns in a safe and confidential environment.

“What began as a pilot scheme has turned into a strong relationship between Rotunda and Catherine Higgins Law. As a values-led organisation we believe people should not be penalised by their personal circumstances or geography when it comes to receiving legal support.

“We are led by our values. As such, we feel a genuine commitment to ensure people have access to the right legal advice and to justice.”

Legal surgeries provide local residents with a free 20 minute consultation with an experienced, qualified and regulated legal professional. The areas of law can range from issues related to housing, wills, challenges faced at home or with family, and personal injury claims.

Emma Jensen, centre manager at Rotunda said:

“This is a desperately needed service at a time when peoples’ problems are increasing and their options to get help and support are decreasing.

“We have welcomed the partnership with Catherine Higgins Law to provide a professional legal service at Rotunda, where people feel more comfortable to attend. The success of the service is testimony to the level of need and we are happy to be making a positive difference to provide that support”

The legal surgeries will take place once a month until the end of the year. For more information, or to book an appointment, please call Rotunda on 0151 207 2176.

To find out more about Catherine Higgins Law, visit www.chigginslaw.co.uk or call 0151 236 8840.