Lawyers who help change lives through volunteering free legal help take centre stage at this year’s Pro Bono Week (6–10 November).*
The 22nd annual celebration recognises the outstanding voluntary contribution made by the legal profession across the UK to provide legal advice for those who could not otherwise afford it and who do not qualify for legal aid.
“The Law Society is once again happy to be taking part in a celebration that amplifies those involved in pro bono work and encourages other members of the legal profession to join. Pro bono has a huge impact on the lives of others by ensuring that people have access to justice no matter what their circumstances may be,” Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said.
“This year, the Law Society is hosting an invitation-only roundtable along with LawWorks about our Major Incidents Response Plan – a project that was developed after the Grenfell tower tragedy which aims to provide emergency pro bono aid for those involved in significant incidents. I will be chairing this event and look forward to discussing this important piece of work with key stakeholders.”
Pro Bono Week 2023 launches on Monday 6 November, with the attorney general the Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP set to host a panel discussion on how pro bono can truly change lives for the official launch event.
Other events include one for junior lawyers, with the solicitor general due to attend, and a panel discussion on changing lives through pro bono with London School of Economics Students' Union Law Society.
“Reports from the Law Society’s Pro Bono Charter signatories from this year have displayed a vast range of incredible work, from helping those struggling through the cost-of-living crisis, to providing aid for Ukrainian refugees. We commend these lawyers and law firms for going above and beyond to help others through these initiatives,” Nick Emmerson continued.
“While pro bono can change lives, it is not a substitute for legal aid and a properly funded justice system. Everyone has the right to access to justice and this should not be relied solely on charity or volunteer projects.”
Toby Brown, chair of the Pro Bono Week organising committee, added: “Lawyers and law students can attend events across the jurisdiction during Pro Bono Week to learn more about and discuss how we offer free legal help to those in need. It is also a chance for us collectively to thank the legal profession for volunteering over the past year at a time when legal help is especially needed.”
Notes to editors
* Pro Bono Week is organised by a committee that includes representatives from the legal professional bodies across the four nations of the UK, pro bono charities, law schools and law firms.
It aims to encourage members of the legal profession and law students to volunteer their time, as well as highlighting pro bono work and promoting best practice. This year, the week will have events focusing on three key themes: changing lives through pro bono, maximising the impact of pro bono and pro bono within environmental, social and governance (ESG), from climate to sustainable development.
Events calendar – Pro Bono Week 2023 UK
Read more about Pro Bono Week 2023
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