Deptford Ragged Trust has been successfully matched with leading law firm Osborne Clarke to provide vital pro bono legal support for The Bear, a transformative development delivering 33 homes for young people who have experienced homelessness alongside a new community facility in Deptford.
Matched in under a month, the partnership was facilitated swiftly by Dane Barnicoat at Osborne Clarke, with specialist legal support being provided by Catherine Gunz and Audrey Calvas. Their work is now helping the charity navigate amendments to a complex lease agreement, enabling staged occupation of the building while final fit-out works continue on site.
This support comes at a critical moment. Following a successful £10 million redevelopment programme, including £750,000 raised to secure community ownership of the site, the organisation needed expert legal advice to ensure revised lease terms support operational needs while protecting long-term interests.
The work is ongoing and will play a key role in bringing homes and community services into use without delay. It is a powerful example of how professional expertise can help unlock lasting impact for young people.
Huge thanks to everyone at Osborne Clarke for stepping forward to support this important next phase.