This week marks the commencement of Pro Bono Week, coinciding with an uptick in demand and provision for pro bono legal services in the UK.
The 23rd annual Pro Bono Week is celebrated through numerous events, including the unveiling of an updated signposting guide for Members of Parliament at Parliament. This guide, now available on a newly launched website, is an initiative by the pro bono committees of England and Wales, including the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee.
This year’s theme, ‘The Power of Pro Bono’, spotlights three main topics. It examines the barrier of justice and explores the significant stories of lawyers and law students volunteering their time to defend the rights of the underprivileged. Additionally, it discusses embedding pro bono into professional practice, emphasising the need for business structures that support pro bono work in legal firms, chambers, in-house, universities, and charities. It also highlights how technology is advancing access to justice through innovative tools.
Advocate, the Bar’s pro bono charity, has reported a 25% increase in requests for assistance in its core casework service over the past year. Meanwhile, data from the Bar Council indicates that approximately 50% of barristers participate actively in pro bono work. The UK Collaborative Plan for Pro Bono revealed that 78 member law firms worked a collective 609,000 pro bono hours in 2023, marking a 5.7% increase, equating to an average of 18 hours per lawyer.
In recognition of these efforts, the Pro Bono Recognition List has been introduced, acknowledging 3,266 solicitors and 483 barristers who each dedicated at least 25 hours to pro bono work in 2023. Richard Atkinson, the President of the Law Society, stated, “We are celebrating the incredible and selfless work lawyers do to help vulnerable people access justice.” He further urged more legal professionals to explore ways to make a meaningful impact.
Sam Townend KC, Chair of the Bar Council, emphasised the significant role of pro bono work in rectifying miscarriages of justice and assisting people in difficult situations. He noted that his early experience with the Free Representation Unit was invaluable and encouraged all barristers to integrate pro bono work into their practice regardless of their career stage.
Furthermore, the Bar Council’s pro bono and social responsibility committee aims to extend the guidance on pro bono advocacy and judicial liaison launched in May. This guidance strives to accommodate pro bono advocates more effectively in court listings. Samantha Singer, co-chair of the committee, stressed the importance of the measures to prevent potential representation from falling through bureaucratic cracks.
As Pro Bono Week unfolds, the legal community continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing access to justice through volunteer efforts. Although pro bono work profoundly impacts many lives, it is not a replacement for a fully funded legal aid system. The dedication of legal professionals this week serves as a reminder of the significant contributions that pro bono work provides in advocating for the rights of the disadvantaged.
