Pro Bono Week UK

Bar Council: Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference 2022: Future-proofing the Bar
2022-11-23 - 2022-11-26
The 2022 Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference will take place over four days: three days of online sessions, with some in-person sessions at the Bar Council, and a full Saturday programme in-person at the Grand Connaught Rooms, Holborn. Join us for expert speakers, professional learning, and opportunities to network with colleagues from across the profession.
Wednesday 23rd – Friday 25th November: Online and in- person
Saturday 26th November: In-person and livestreamed
More information and ticket prices can be found here

Roundtable to discuss pro bono in the North East
2022-11-16 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | Ward Hadaway, Sandgate House, 102 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX
A roundtable meeting convened by Designated Civil Judge Jeremy Hudson and Designated Family Judge Rachel Hudson, to share information on the need for and current delivery of pro bono in Newcastle and the wider North East, and to discuss opportunities and challenges.
Arrival from 5.30pm, coffee & networking
6:00pm roundtable meeting
7.15pm networking over light refreshments
Registration: representatives of the advice sector, pro bono projects, legal profession and law schools are welcome to request invitations – please email tobybrown@southsquare.com

University of Leicester Pro Bono Society: Annual Meet and Greet
2022-11-16 17:00 - 20:30 | Leicester Law School, Fielding Johnson Building, Council Chambers, LE2 6BA
This event is a brilliant opportunity for students to network with Legal professionals, to gain an insight into the profession.

The University of Leicester’s Pro Bono Society runs 14 projects which each have a profound impact on the wider community. As part of our initiatives to improve the employability of our student members, the society hosts the meet and greet event yearly. This event is a productive networking opportunity for students to network with professionals, Legal professionals and Law graduates who have pursued an alternative career. The event is mainly driven by the fact that students have a lot to learn from the wealth of experience of Legal professionals.

The event will be held on the 16th of November from 5-8:30pm at Fielding Johnson Building, University of Leicester.
To RSVP contact: sj405@student.le.ac.uk

Reed Smith - event to celebrate Pro Bono Week 2022 (**CHANGE IN DATE**Invitation Only)
2022-11-15 18:30 - 22:30
Reed Smith: Please join us for an informal evening where we will have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our joint contribution to the community, in the company of other NGO and charity partners and the lawyers that lead on our many projects and partnerships.

In person event – invitation only

Pro Bono Week 2022: Rule of Law Event with Baroness Hale of Richmond and others
2022-11-15 17:30 - 19:00 | Gray’s Inn, London, Greater London, WC1V 6BX, United Kingdom
About this event

Following on from successful Rule of Law events in Pro Bono Week 2020 and Volunteers Week 2021, our Rule of Law event returns! We are very grateful to Gray’s Inn for kindly hosting the in-person element of this Pro Bono Week event.
Arrive from 5:00pm (In person attendees only)
Panel starts 5.30pm until 7.00pm. (In person and on Zoom)
There can be few times in the modern history of the UK where the Rule of Law has remained at the forefront of public attention and discussion for such a sustained period – whether it is governmental “tinkering” with judicial review, the backlog in the court system, to some concerning narrative about lawyers practising in the immigration and criminal justice systems.
As important as that focus has been, it often leaves a hugely important question unanswered: where do we go from here?
Lawyers almost universally see the Rule of Law as fundamental, but that seems some way off outside of the profession? If we are to protect the Rule of Law (and drive an environment where upholding the Rule of Law is seen as non-negotiable), the public at large need to feel the same way.
Having considered this question previously, the panel will return to give an update on the “state of the union” of the Rule of Law in the UK. From there, we will turn to continue our debate on what can be done to begin to deliver this. Can the law, and justice be rebranded? Can businesses be made to care and champion the Rule of Law? What, or who might get the public to value access to justice?
Chair: Catherine Baksi (Freelance Journalist)
Panellists are:

Baroness Hale of Richmond (former President of the UK Supreme Court),
Joshua Cameron (Managing Director, FTI Consulting)
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC (Director of the IBA Human Rights Institute)
Abiodun Michael Olatokun FRSA (Campaigner, academic and lawyer)

Registration can be found here
You can watch the full panel debate from Volunteers Week 2021 on YouTube (this panel included James Harper (LexisNexis) as a speaker and Catherine Baksi (award-winning journalist) was the chair).
You can watch the full panel debate from Pro Bono Week 2020 on YouTube (this panel included Law Society then-President David Greene, and barrister Matthew Ryder QC (Matrix Chambers). James Harper (LexisNexis) was the chair).

Pro bono - it's not just for lawyers!: FTI Consulting, BPP, University of Central Lancashire and LAN-PAC
2022-11-14 12:30 - 13:30
Come and join us for an informative session featuring:
1. Insight and success stories from FTI Consulting, BPP University, University of Central Lancashire and LAN- PAC.
2. Provide a forum to network for attendees beyond the event; and
3. Raise awareness of opportunities to collaborate on new or existing pro bono projects.
For those attending in person there will be a light lunch available from 12pm
Registration can be found here
Hybrid Event
Online via Zoom: 12.30 – 1.30pm

AL-HQ Law & More: Community Event
2022-11-12 12:30 - 16:30 | AL-HQ Law, Regus - Southampton Airport International House George Curl Way, Southampton, SO18 2RZ
All-day drop-in free legal advice clinic on the following areas of law:
UK Estate planning
English Wills and Islamic Wills
Lasting Power of Attorney
Islamic Legal Advice Centre
The Career Planner for Lawyers
Open to all with out Administration!
St Deny’s Community Centre
Priory Road
Southampton
SO17 2JZ
Community fair also includes lovely fashion, food and craft stalls.
In person event – all are welcome!

Pro Bono in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities: Cambridge University Law Society
2022-11-11 17:30 - 19:30 | St. John’s College Cambridge (Fisher Foyer), St John's Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TP
Join us for our special CULS Pro Bono x Careers panel event this Friday to hear more about the challenges facing the legal and pro bono sectors from our distinguished panellists, ranging from the ongoing cost of living crisis to environmental challenges facing society as a whole. Panellists will also be discussing opportunities available for students to get involved in pro bono work. An informal drinks and canapés reception will follow the panel discussion for participants and panellists to interact and network. We look forward to seeing you there!
Speakers
Nabil Khabirpour – Founder of The Law Corner
Professor Paul Watchman – Special Legal Adviser at UNEP Principles of Sustainable Development Net Zero Insurance Underwriters Alliance
Elisabeth Traugott (Barrister at Goldsmith Chambers
Doctor Jodi Gardner – College Lecturer in Law and Fellow of St John’s College

Venue: Fisher Foyer, St. John’s College Cambridge
Registration: https://forms.gle/QLE2juuvDqdHZRQEA
In person only

A4ID: COP27 In-Person side event - "Article 6 Understanding the current state of play and VCMs"
2022-11-11 13:00 - 14:15 | Online
Join A4ID live from COP27 at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Following the success of Art 6 at COP26, some elements and the role of VCMs require further clarifications ahead of COP27. This event will stock take on the position of countries and requirements of the private sector regarding Article 6 and VCM to enable an understanding of the pending issues.

Speakers: M. Diagne (African group), M. Hession (EU), M. P-Stanley (USA), H. Lösch (BDI/Business Europe- TBC), Y. Batliwala (Chief Executive, A4ID). Moderator: A. Marcu (ERCST)

Join online or catch up via Youtube on the following link: Article 6: Understanding the current state of play and its role in unlocking the potential of VCMs – YouTube

Battersea Legal Advice Clinic: Internal training and information sessions: Simmons & Simmons (internal event only)
2022-11-11 13:00 - 14:00
Internal training and information sessions on small claims
Internal Event Only

Ulster University Law Clinic: Free Legal Advice Day (Belfast campus)
2022-11-11 10:00 - 14:00
Come along to Ulster University’s new Belfast Campus (Block BC) for free legal advice in matters relating to social security, employment and commercial law.
Ulster University Law Clinic, Labour Relations Agency)

Launch of Ulster University Law Clinic’s Personal Litigant Guide
2022-11-11
Launch of Ulster University Law Clinic’s Personal Litigant Guide
Funded by the Alex Ferry Foundation, UK, this is a muti-lingual, step by step guide to employment tribunals for people who do not have representation.

Leicester University Pro Bono Society: Women's Rights in Iran
2022-11-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Leicester Law School, Fielding Johnson Building, Council Chambers, LE2 6BA
Pro Bono Projects, Lawyers without Borders SD & Street Law will be hosting an event to raise awareness for the human rights issues taking place in Iran.
Venue: Council Chambers, University of Leicester.
Registration: Contact sj405@leicester.le.ac.uk

Pro Bono: benefits to our community and your career progression: Nottingham Law School (Invitation Only)
2022-11-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Nottingham Law School
The event is going to be attended by Nottingham Law School current students. It will be a panel discussion to celebrate our recent partnership between NLS and Support Through Court (STC). Attendees will learn from staff, volunteers (current and former) from both STC and NLS Legal about their experiences and how pro bono volunteering has helped with development and career progression.
Invitation only
In person event

Faculty of Advocates’ Free Legal Services Unit (FLSU) – “Ready to Step Forward”
2022-11-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Faculty of Advocates, Laigh Hall, Parliament House, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF
Join us in person for discussions and drinks reception as part of Pro Bono Week 2022.
Keeper of the Library of Faculty, Neil Mackenzie K.C, will give a short address. Thereafter the evening will provide an opportunity for representatives of agencies accredited by the Free Legal Services Unit of the Faculty of Advocates to meet our team in person, as well as representatives of other accredited agencies, along with other guests who do such valuable pro bono work. Drinks and canapes will be provided at what will be an informative and enjoyable evening.
To RSVP to this event please register here

Climate change - pro-bono action and the law - City, University of London
2022-11-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Dr Paul Stookes explores the City, University of London pro-bono work being carried on in conjunction with the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF), exploring how climate change commitments are being realised and put into effect.

The need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has never been more real with the extreme summer heat and droughts being followed intense storms, flooding with loss of life and livelihoods. The link between man-made climate change and extreme weather events is now uncontroversial and most UK governments at a national and local level have set themselves ambitious targets to reduce the level of GHG emissions by 2030. However, it is not all clear that they are close to meeting the carbon reduction commitments.

The ELF pro-bono project 2022-23 builds upon earlier ground-breaking research from City, University of London to examine the efforts of public bodies in tackling climate change with a view to highlighting the need for further urgent action.

Join the online meeting and the pro-bono policy team to continue City, University of London’s important climate emergency research work.
Registration can be found here

Bath Law Clinic Meet and Greet - invitation only
2022-11-10 16:30 - 17:30
Welcome meeting and introduction to volunteers/lawyers working at the clinic for the next twelve months.
Speakers
Steven Greenwood – Stone King LLP
Simon Lawson CAB BANES
Steven Goulton Bath Spa University Business School
In person – invitation only

Battersea Legal Advice Clinic: Internal training and information sessions: Simmons & Simmons (internal event)
2022-11-10 13:00 - 14:00
Training and Information session on Housing Law
Internal event only

Finding your Pro Bono Projects: The Law Society of England and Wales (invitation only)
2022-11-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Online event
Panel event and Q&A for in house organisations
To mark Pro Bono week, the Law Society is holding this virtual event to explore how in house legal teams can get involved with pro bono projects. Whatever the size or nature of the business, whether in the public or private sector, in-house legal teams in England and Wales have a long history of providing free legal services for not-for-profit charitable organisations and individuals. In order to effectively implement a pro bono programme, we believe it is beneficial to seek support and guidance from those who are both in similar stages of their pro bono journeys, and from those who are more established. This event has been designed to hear from an array of experiences, and to discuss how to overcome those potential barriers that could hinder the implementation of pro bono initiatives.
Invitation only

Weil, Gotshal & Manges with Legal Response International: Levelling up climate negotiations
2022-11-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Weil, Gotshal & Manges, 110 Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1AY
To mark this year’s UK National Pro Bono Week and COP27, please join us on Thursday 10 November 12.00-12.45 for The climate crisis is real; what can lawyers do?
Representatives from Legal Response International (LRI) will be tuning in live from COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, to explore how pro bono lawyers can support negotiators from low-income countries during UN Climate Change Conventions. This is an in-person event with Zoom dial-in available and will be attended by lawyers and professionals from other law firms.
Speakers:

Christoph Schwarte, Director, Legal Response International
TBC negotiator
Cami Jetzer, Associate
Isobel Rudd, Trainee Associate
Will Hooker, Partner, Pallas Partners LLP
William Ferris, Trainee, Clyde & Co

Legal Response International (LRI) is a charity that provides free legal assistance to negotiators from low-income and climate vulnerable countries in connection with the international climate negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The international negotiations under the UN Climate Change Conventions are among the most complex multilateral law and policy-making processes ever. LRI seeks to create a level playing field between actors in these discussions by providing poorer, more climate-vulnerable countries with pro bono legal experts. During COP26, Weil colleagues in DC and London worked with LRI to provide real-time legal analysis to negotiators from low-income nations.

Pro Bono Week 2022 is taking place 7-11 November and recognises the incredible contribution of lawyers across the country who use their specialist skills through the provision of free legal advice. Since 2015, the London office has performed almost 100,000 pro bono hours which is testament to our commitment and dedication to Our Finest Hours.

COP27 is taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh in November and will mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference will bring together world leaders, politicians, policy makers, lawyers, scientists and ecologists from UN member states.
Hybrid Event
To register your place, email sue.cook@weil.com

Lawyers coming to the rescue: Pro Bono's role in Global crises: Kings College London Pro Bono Society (For students only)
2022-11-09 18:30 - 20:00
Every day we hear about tragedies happening all over the world, so how can you help if you choose a career in law? Join our panel event with solicitors, barristers and Pro Bono organisations discussing their projects aiding the Ukraine and Afghanistan Crises, the aftermath of the pandemic, and more. Learn how you can start playing a role now!
This panel event will be followed by networking.
Speakers:
Olivia Clark – Pro Bono Senior Associate, DLA Piper
Raihan Islam – co-founder and co-organiser of Everything Will Be Ukraine
Peter Saban – Associate, Arnold & Porter
Venue: To be confirmed
Registration can be found here
In-person event

Crossing the geographical divide: how hybrid clinics can deliver advice everywhere: BPP Legal Advice Clinic
2022-11-09 18:00 - 20:00 | BPP University, 68-70 Red Lion Street, London, WC1R 4NY
For Pro Bono Week 2022 the BPP Legal Advice Clinic will be delivering a hybrid Panel Event on the challenges and opportunities clinics face in delivering hybrid clinics across different regions.
Speakers:
Veronica Barresi, Enterprise Clinic Manager and Supervising Solicitor
Robert Smith, Volunteer Supervising Solicitor
Harriet Russ, Student Adviser
Frankie Hall, Trainee Solicitor
This event will be a hybrid event so our colleagues from other regions can join online.

The in person event will be held at BPP London Holborn, 68-70 Red Lion Street. The online event will be circulated to attendees.
Registration can be found here

Advocate: Reviewers’ Evening **POSTPONED** (invitation only)
2022-11-09 18:00 - 20:00
Advocate Reviewers assess all the cases that Advocate receive and determine if they are eligible for pro bono assistance. We couldn’t continue to operate without the incredible support of our 200-strong reviewer team.
The Reviewers’ Evening is an opportunity for us to say thank you to our reviewers for all that they do for Advocate throughout the year and a chance to network with each other. This year it is happening in Pro Bono Week!
Reviewers should contact the Advocate team if they have questions.
Invitation only

Climate Justice in Times of Crisis: University of Glasgow
2022-11-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Glasgow University, Yudowitz Lecture Theatre (Room 253), Wolfson Medical School Building (University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ
We are bringing Pro Bono Week 2022 to the University of Glasgow!
In collaboration with the University of Glasgow School of Law, the Lawyers Without Borders and Environmental Law societies are hosting a panel event featuring speakers from the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, Clyde & Co and JustRight Scotland. Join us to learn more about how pro bono legal work can address climate change, along with its wider, intersectional implications, and how the multitude of crises today’s society faces affect this work.
Speakers

Ben Christman – Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland (ERCS)
Andy Glass – Clyde & Co
Eilidh Turnbull – JustRight Scotland

Registration can be found here
In person event

Leicester University Pro Bono Society: Crime and Punishment Debate
2022-11-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Peter Williams Lecture Theatre, University of Leicester, LE1 7RH
Pro Bono Projects, Amicus & Miscarriages of Justice will be hosting a debate on Crime and Punishment. The debate topic is: ‘Is it possible to truly rehabilitate criminals or is it best to focus more on punishment, deterrence, and protection of the public when sentencing dangerous offenders?’
Venue: Peter Williams Lecture Theatre, University of Leicester

Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Committee with the Environmental Law Foundation: The Climate Crisis Is Real – What Can Lawyers Do To Help?
2022-11-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Gowling WLG, Two Snowhill, Birmingham, B4 6WR
Time: 5.30pm – 8pm
For Pro Bono Week 2022, the Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Committee invites our legal community to an important and insightful evening event. This event is kindly hosted by Gowling WLG.
This year’s event will focus on climate change and environmental issues, exploring the real impact our pro bono contribution can have in supporting communities and people dealing with environmental threat. The Committee is delighted to host a line-up of fantastic speakers to share their experience and ideas for this event.
So many of us are deeply concerned by the environmental challenges we are all facing and struggle to know how to make a difference. This evening event will explore how lawyers, both as businesses and as individuals, can use our legal skills, commercial experience and influence to make a genuine contribution. We hope this will be a fascinating and eye-opening evening for firms, chambers and practitioners throughout the Midlands who are keen to discover how pro bono, perhaps as part of a wider responsible business strategy, can be part of this.

Speakers:

The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF)
Fiona Nicholls, Head of Sustainability and Assurance, Gowling WLG
Lee McBride, Partner and Head of Environmental Team, Lodders Solicitors
Nina Pindham, Barrister specialising in Planning and Environmental, No5 Barristers’ Chambers

In person event
Registration: Book Event – Birmingham Law Society. One Profession. One Region. One Voice
Venue: Hosted by Gowling PLC (Birmingham)

How to run a Legal Health Check for Non-Profits and Social Enterprises: Trust Law with Law Works
2022-11-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Reed Smith LLP, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose St, LondoBroadgate Tower, 20 Primrose St, London, EC2A 2RS
LawWorks and TrustLaw are co-hosting a pro bono legal workshop and networking for non-governmental organisations, social enterprises and charities that are driving social change worldwide. This is a unique event where organisations will have the opportunity to learn how to run a legal health check of their organisation. This will cover a broad spectrum of legal topics: from setting up a new legal entity and understanding your obligations towards employees, to protecting your ideas and branding. Ensuring that your organisation is “healthy” will save time and resources in the future – helping you to streamline operations and maximise funding opportunities. The session will also provide information on the variety of pro bono legal assistance available through TrustLaw and LawWorks.
Location: Reed Smith LLP – Central London Office
Registration can be found here
In- person only

University of Derby Student Legal Advice Centre Pro Bono Celebration Event (Invitation Only)
2022-11-09 16:30 - 18:00
We are holding an event to mark Pro Bono Week at Derby Law School, on Wednesday 9th November 4:30pm to 6pm in room FG202. This is an opportunity to hear about the developments of the Student Legal Advice Centre and to hear from speakers about the impact of pro bono work. This will include hearing from speakers about the benefit of partnering between organisations.
Speakers
Kaye Howells (director of the Student Legal Advice Centre),
Athina Bilgic (British Red Cross)
Lucy Tissington (solicitor Family Law Group)
Nicola Lambert (PhD student)
Beverley Lawrence (LLM/LPC student)
Invitation only
Venue: Derby Law School, One Friargate Square

Leicester University Pro Bono Society: Which career is right for you?
2022-11-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Ken Edwards Lecture Theatre 1, University of Leicester, LE1 7RH
Which career is right for you? – Take a quiz with Street Law Event
Pro Bono Project, Street Law will be hosting an interactive session with current law students, helping them discover through a series of questions what legal career they are heading towards, either a solicitor, a barrister, or another non-legal field.

Wednesday, 9th November 2022 from 4-5 pm in Ken Edwards Lecture Theatre 1, University of Leicester.
Registration: Contact sj405@leicester.le.ac.uk

Learnings from the Justice and Innovation Group and how they apply to pro bono - Network for Justice
2022-11-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Online event
Discussion/ Q&A/ workshop
Technology, digital, and innovative pro bono – using different methods to deliver pro bono to address issues like crisis, remote delivery, and linking different types of provision.
An informal session giving a general overview on technology, data collection and analysis, and the distinction between these and impact monitoring/ evaluation, applying learning from the Justice and Innovation Group to pro bono issues.
We will be joined by:
Roger Smith: Law Technology and Access to Justice Blog editor
Guy Stern: Legal Connection Founder

Registration link can be found here
Online only
