Farleys Solicitors’ specialist inquest team has been shortlisted for the Firm of the Year award at the Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards 2026.
The Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to improving access to justice through free legal support. The Law Firm of the Year category celebrates firms that demonstrate exceptional commitment to pro bono work, through the volume and impact of support provided.
This year’s nomination reflects the work of Farleys’ Manchester-based inquest team, led by Kelly Darlington, Partner and Head of Inquests. The team specialises in representing bereaved families following deaths involving state agencies.
For many families and organisations Farleys represents pro bono, the alternative is no help at all, particularly for inquests, leaving vulnerable people facing well-resourced institutional opponents alone unless firms like Farleys step in. The implementation of Hillsborough Law – formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill will make financial provision (through an expansion of legal aid) enabling bereaved families to participate at inquiries and investigations where the conduct of public authorities may be in issue; and for connected purposes.
Over the years, recognising that many bereaved families face complex inquest proceedings without the means to pay for representation, our team has been committed to offering pro bono support where it is needed most, standing alongside families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives and ensuring they are at the heart of the process.
The winners of the Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards 2026 will be announced tomorrow evening.
