DARA’s network continues to grow. When founded by Travers Smith Partner and Head of Pro Bono, Sam Cottman, in 2022, it began as an alliance of seven firms. With the recent addition of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, it now comprises 11 firms, with its reach extending beyond London into cities across England. As well as providing court advocacy and legal support, DARA has trained over 350 lawyers on how best to represent survivors of domestic abuse in a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive manner.
DARA operates collaboratively with LawWorks, Beck Fitzgerald, the The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) and FLOWS | Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors.
This milestone comes at a time of growing demand for family and domestic abuse-related legal advice across England and Wales. The latest LawWorks Clinics Network Report found that family law now accounts for 37% of all cases across our clinics, a 7.3% increase from 2023. Many clients are presenting in crisis and with multiple, interrelated legal issues, reflecting the urgent need for coordinated pro bono support. DARA’s impact demonstrates what is possible when firms and charities work together to meet that need.
Rebecca Wilkinson, Chief Executive of LawWorks says:
Reaching the 300th case is an incredible milestone for DARA and a testament to the dedication of all those involved. At a time of rising demand for family law support, this Alliance shows what collaboration across the legal sector can achieve in helping survivors access justice and rebuild their lives.
Sam Cottman, Head of Pro Bono and founder of DARA comments:
A few years ago, DARA was just an idea. To have reached 300 cases and have 11 amazing law firms representing these clients up and down the country is a very significant milestone on our journey. We are living through an unprecedented surge in violence and aggression in domestic relationships, particularly against young women. This is fuelled by a toxic online culture and new forms of digital abuse like message monitoring, social media stalking, and non-consensual image sharing. For many of these clients, DARA’s pro bono support, and that of other organisations in this sector, is not just help - it’s their only lifeline. We are proud to be able to support them and determined to continue to stand up against domestic abuse.
Jenny Beck KC says:
Protection from domestic abuse should be everybody’s right, yet restrictions on legal aid have left huge numbers of victim survivors at real risk. DARA provides a vital service. Clients can secure support and legal representation to apply for protection orders that would otherwise be unaffordable. The DARA team showcases how effective collaboration can make a real difference to people’s lives.
The DARA law firms are:
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Gibson Dunn, Latham & Watkins, Debevoise & Plimpton, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Reed Smith LLP, DLA Piper, Slaughter and May, Eversheds Sutherland, Hogan Lovells, and Travers Smith.