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Pro Bono: Domestic Abuse Response Alliance

Pro Bono: Domestic Abuse Response Alliance

Overview

DARA is an alliance of 10 leading law firms brought together by Travers Smith. DARA lawyers provide legal advice to survivors of domestic abuse in need of protective injunctions, representing those individuals who are not eligible for legal aid, but who cannot afford private representation.

DARA lawyers provide survivors of abuse with legal representation and, crucially, advocacy support, from inception through to completion of their case. 

DARA was founded by Travers Smith’s Sam Cottman. Since its launch in 2022, DARA has trained c.350 lawyers, across 10 law firms and the Bar on how to provide legal support to survivors of domestic abuse. DARA has supported over 160 clients, in multiple cities across England and Wales.

DID YOU KNOW

Since its launch in 2022, DARA has trained c.350 lawyers, across 10 law firms and the Bar on how to provide legal support to survivors of domestic abuse. DARA has supported over 160 clients, in multiple cities across England and Wales.

While we did not launch DARA for the awards, we are thrilled to have been recognised widely across the legal industry for the work that DARA is doing. DARA has received a number of industry awards since launch, including the FT Innovative Lawyers Award, Pro Bono Initiative of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2023 and the PILnet Local Impact Award.

For so many survivors of domestic abuse, legal protection is out of reach. That may be due to a lack of funding, an overly complex legal system or, often, the terrifying prospect of facing their abuser in court. Many of these individuals have no choice but to return to life-threatening relationships.
Sam Cottman, Partner, Head of Pro Bono

Key contact

Read Sam Cottman Profile
Sam Cottman
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