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European law firm Fieldfisher has helped secure a landmark £3.78m payment to the Access to Justice Foundation (ATJF), approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), as part of the first Boundary Fares class action, Gutmann v SSWT.
The payment, representing a significant portion of unclaimed damages, was agreed by all key parties involved and will be redistributed to access to justice organisations through grants administered by the ATJF.
Fieldfisher acted pro bono for the ATJF in the proceedings, with Partner Richard Pike leading the legal team. The CAT commended the parties for their collaborative approach and recognised the ATJF’s unique role in ensuring unclaimed damages are used to benefit the public.
The ATJF, a grant-making charity dedicated to increasing access to free legal support across the UK, will redistribute the funds through a series of grants. A funding strategy will be published in the coming weeks, with an open funding round expected in early 2026.
Clare Carter, CEO of ATJF, said:
“The Tribunal has recognised our unique position and expertise in making impactful use of unclaimed damages. It’s crucial that collective actions deliver real benefits to the public and we're able to work collaboratively to make sure these funds reach the people who need them most."
Richard Pike, Partner at Fieldfisher, added:
"This is a significant moment for collective actions in the UK. The Tribunal’s approval of the payment to the ATJF demonstrates how such proceedings can deliver tangible public benefit. We’re proud to have supported the Foundation in securing this outcome, which ensures that unclaimed damages will be used to improve access to justice for communities across the country. This kind of pro bono work is closely aligned with Fieldfisher’s values, using our legal expertise to drive positive social impact and support those who might otherwise struggle to access legal support.”
Fieldfisher’s role in this case highlights our broader commitment to advancing access to justice and making a meaningful difference through the strategic use of our legal expertise.
