London Legal Walk 2023

Associate Solicitor Muntech Kaur took part in the 10k London Legal Walk on 13 June 2023. Here, she shares her experiences.

Having participated in last year's Legal Walk, this year again, I was part of the Law Society's team of walkers. The Law Society is the governing body of solicitors and I currently sit on its Council having been elected to the specialised characteristic seat of Ethnic Minorities. Overall, there are approximately 100 Council Members representing geographical, law areas and other specialist characteristics seats.

The London Legal Walk has been an ongoing event in the legal calendar for the last 19 years.

The purpose is to raise funds for free legal advice services in London and the South East. The walk is organised by the London Legal Support Trust.

This year, there were a record 16,000 walkers registered to take part, breaking the record of previous years. 

The Law Society's team of walkers consisted of its current President Lubna Shuja, Vice President Nick Emmerson, Ian Jeffery Chief Executive, fellow Council Members, fellow Law Society Committee members and Law Society staff. 

Of the thousands of walkers taking part, was the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, who is the head of the judiciary and the President of the Courts of England and Wales, and Bob Nightingale MBE the co-founder of the London Legal Support Trust. 

The route through London

Walkers had a choice of two possible routes, namely, the park route or riverside route. The most popular remains the park route, taking us from the headquarters of the Law Society in Chancery Lane, up past the Strand, passing the infamous steps of the Royal Court of Justice, along Embankment. Then down Whitehall, through Horse Guards Parade and St James's Park, past the Royal residence of Buckingham Palace. Next was through Hyde Park looping around the Serpentine back through Green Park and along The Mall, passing Trafalgar Square and Somerset House and back to base. 

My group started the earliest of all walkers, commencing our walk just after 2pm. The bulk of walkers commenced their journey from 3pm onwards and some much later after finishing a full day’s work at the office. The latest set off time was 7:30pm. The route takes approximately 2 hours to walk.

This year was also the first year in which the Disabilities Solicitors Network partook in the walk as a distinct group, walking a shorter route with their distinctive purple-coloured t-shirts.

The end of the walk was celebrated by way of a street party in Carey Street. There was a great atmosphere and a well-deserved cold beverage, delicious street food and entertainment comprising entertainers on stilts and a Mariachi band. 

Stepping up

Festivities aside, the London Legal Walk is the biggest event in the legal calendar. At the time of writing, the total funds raised amounted to £860,000 surpassing its target of £600,000. This could be higher given that donations can be made up to 3-months after the event. Even with the final penny yet to be donated and counted, the current figure has surpassed last year's total donations of £720,000. 

Legal advice centres and clinics form a vital part of our society, giving members of the public an opportunity to access free legal advice in their most difficult time. The services of advice centres and clinics vary from housing and debt to civil matters. With the continued impact of Covid, increasing inflation and interest rates, such services are as vital as ever. 

I am both proud and privileged to be a qualified solicitor. Whilst I work full-time, it is important to me to give back to society utilising my skill sets (having previously volunteered for Citizens Advice Bureau, Latin American Women's Rights Services, Shepherds Bush Housing Association and Romford Legal Advice Centre), raise funds for great causes and be part of a group making positive changes for the solicitor's profession. 

Over the coming days and weeks, there will be many postings on social media platforms from various organisations and walkers, sharing wonderful moments of the day. There is even a competition for best photograph, earning a donation of £1000 to the funding raising pot. 

I am proud to have been part of this year’s London Legal Walk, be part of The Law Society’s team of walkers and be in the words of the Law Society's President, Lubna Shuja: “Fighting for access to justice…. every step of the way”. 

If you wish to make a kind donation to the Law Society walkers or indeed to London Legal Support Trust directly and to the great causes supporting access to justice, the links are:

London Legal Support Trust: London Legal Walk 2023 (enthuse.com)

The London Legal Support Trust (enthuse.com)

For a glimpse of a selection of the images of the day, these can be viewed:

London Legal Walk 2023 - Photos & Walk Video - London Legal Support Trust - LLST

Gallery: London Legal Walk 2023 News Law Gazette

Until London Legal Walk 2024…

Muntech works in Birkett Long’s Family Law team based in our Basildon office, and is available for a free 15 minute chat over the phone on 01268 824938. Or you can reach her on email muntech.kaur@birkettlong.co.uk