While the majority of the firms are from the city region Manchester Law Society revealed that practices from Merseyside, Sheffield and even a large firm from London had also offered their services. Within the first hour of putting out the appeal 64 firms had signed up.

Pro bono advice for bereaved families

Fran Eccles-Bech, MLS chief executive, quoted in the Manchester Evening News,  said: ‘We are looking for firms who are willing to give pro bono advice and free representation to bereaved families to assist with criminal injury claims and inquests. We are also looking for firms willing to give pro bono advice to seriously injured people to assist with CICA claims.’ Other areas that may require legal advice include administration of estates, property ownership/mortgage, insurance, welfare benefits, family/child custody, death in service/pension, financial obligations and debt.

'Approach should be totally pro bono'

Miss Fran said: ‘It is appreciated that there may come a time when a particular issue, for example a complex contested probate litigation, might need to handled on a non pro bono basis…However we do believe that in the early to medium term the approach of member firms should be totally pro bono.’

'Manchester's professionals want to do their bit'

She was also quoted as saying that a priority area for early advice is likely to be compensation to which the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme may apply. ‘This aspect is especially appropriate for pro bono help throughout as it will be important for bereaved families and injured victims to receive 100 per cent compensation.’ She added:‘Manchester's professionals want to to do their bit to help out in the aftermath of the atrocious attack at the Arena and this is their way of helping.’

Contact to offer free services

Firms who want to offer their services can contact FranEccles-Bech@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk.