Supporting Access to Justice: Resources and Opportunities to Get Involved in Pro Bono
The Law Society has highlighted a range of resources and opportunities available to help solicitors, firms and local law societies strengthen their involvement in pro bono work, following a recent Local Law Society Forum focused on supporting access to justice.
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The session brought together representatives from the Law Society, the National Pro Bono Centre and the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Steering Group to discuss the important role that pro bono plays in widening access to legal advice while also supporting professional development, collaboration and community engagement across the legal profession.
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There is no single approach to pro bono, and firms of all sizes can become involved in ways that suit their expertise and capacity. Opportunities highlighted during the forum include working with organisations such as LawWorks, Pro Bono Connect and TrustLaw, collaborating with university law clinics and student pro bono societies, and joining initiatives that provide legal support during major incidents.
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The Law Society also encourages firms to make use of its Pro Bono Manual, which provides practical guidance for organisations considering signing the Pro Bono Charter. In addition, firms can engage with Regional Pro Bono Committees, established with the support of the Attorney General’s Office, to share best practice and better understand the impact of pro bono activity within their region.
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The forum also highlighted the importance of recognising and celebrating the profession’s contribution through initiatives such as UK Pro Bono Week, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this November, and the Pro Bono Recognition List, endorsed by the Lady Chief Justice.
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Whether your organisation already has an established pro bono programme or is considering taking its first steps, there are a wealth of resources and organisations available to provide support and guidance.
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For further information about the Law Society’s support for pro bono activities, members can contact Valerie Robertson at Valerie.Robertson@lawsociety.org.uk, Pro Bono and Public Legal Education Policy Advisor at the Law Society. Those interested in Pro Bono Week or sharing examples of successful pro bono initiatives can also contact the National Pro Bono Centre.
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