A4ID and LawWorks call off planned merger

The planned merger between A4ID (Advocates for International Development) and LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) has been called off.

“In 2022, our two charities sought to move towards a merger, as both considered that there were good reasons for doing so and, together, we would be able to achieve more than the sum of our separate parts. The ambition was right. Practically, the process was more complex than we had envisaged. Since agreeing in principle to merge earlier in the year, it has become apparent that being able to complete the merger remains some way off and continuing with this process whilst maintaining the delivery of our unique services within the domestic and international legal pro-bono fields, were a step too far.

Restructuring, integration and reframing our joint offering were distracting both the boards and, more importantly, our colleagues who are working hard to deliver for each charity to those who so desperately need our services. As a result, last week both boards reluctantly agreed to stop the process and focus on our purposes and missions independently.”

– Roger Leese, Chair A4ID , Advocates for International Development and Alasdair Douglas, Chair, LawWorks

Yasmin Batliwala, Chief Executive of A4ID, added:

“While we initially explored a merger as a way to amplify our impact, this decision allows both A4ID and LawWorks to refocus on our individual missions. We’re excited to continue driving forward our work, partnering with others to deliver the meaningful change our communities and beneficiaries deserve.”

– Ends –

Notes to Editors:

• LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity that promotes, supports, and facilitates pro bono legal services that extend access to the law for individuals and communities in need, as well as the organisations that assist them. LawWorks supports a network of over 300 independent pro bono clinics across England and Wales and facilitates free legal advice for smaller charities and social enterprises through its Not-For-Profits Programme. LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
• A4ID is a global charity that works in partnership with the world’s leading law firms, providing access to the best legal advice for those engaged in the fight against global poverty and contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (http://www.a4id.org)