Twenty-one law firms have clubbed together to launch a pro bono scheme offering free advice on competition law issues.

The scheme, which has been developed with the assistance of LawWorks (formerly the Solicitors' Pro Bono Group), was unveiled today (9 October) and can be accessed via the Office of Fair Trading's website.

Stakeholders in the scheme include City, national and regional firms, including Pinsent Masons, Simmons & Simmons, Steeles and Watson Farley & Williams.

Watson Farley head of competition law Stephen Tupper told The Lawyer that the scheme benefits consumers by demystifying certain competition law issues and by enabling them to make proper formulated complaints.

"We're pulling ourselves down from the pedestal and explaining exactly how the law works," said Tupper.

Each lawyer involved in the scheme has committed to provide up to two hours of free legal advice concerning the possible impact of EU competition rules and/or national competition law.