Law firms are being urged by two of the country’s top legal figures to donate funds being held for untraceable clients or beneficiaries to support advice centres.

More than 7,000 law firms will receive letters in the coming days signed by attorney general Dominic Grieve and Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge.

The letters will ask them to support the Access to Justice Foundation’s ‘It’s Not Just Peanuts’ campaign by unlocking dormant or unused client money.

Driven by the London Legal Support Trust, the latest push encourages donations of less than £50 from client accounts where the owner cannot be traced.

The money can later be refunded if the original owners do reappear.

Former attorney general Lord Goldsmith QC, now chair of the foundation, said: ‘Free up the money because while it’s sitting there advice organisations are closing down, and together we can try and do something about that.’

An information pack is included in the letter with details of how to send in money. Email the ATJF.