National firm Shoosmiths and the in-house legal team at computer giant HP yesterday launched a new pro bono initiative with the Prince's Trust youth charity to provide legal advice to young business people in the Thames Valley.

They will give free legal advice to 18-30-year-olds who have set up businesses through the Prince's Trust. A team of lawyers from Shoosmiths’ Reading office specialising in employment, property, litigation and commercial maters will be available alongside HP's in-house lawyers to offer free advice via a telephone hotline.

Stuart Little, a partner at Shoosmiths, said: ‘HP is eager to provide pro bono advice and involved us in identifying how best to provide it, and for whom.

‘Working with the Prince’s Trust and its business programme is a very good fit for the sort of legal work Shoosmiths provides. Prior to us getting involved the programme’s legal resource was limited, but now it has untold legal knowledge and experience at its disposal – for free.’

James Ormrod, vice-president and associate general counsel, HP enterprise business, EMEA, said: ‘We are honoured and delighted to be working with the Prince’s Trust to help young people into business, especially in this economic climate.

‘HP’s business began through the efforts of two individuals in a small garage in Palo Alto, California. The chance that this pro bono effort could help local small businesses to grow and provide employment opportunities to tens, hundreds and maybe even thousands of local people is just too good an opportunity to miss.

‘In Shoosmiths, we know we have an entrepreneurial business partner with whom we will be able to pursue this initiative with energy and spirit.'