Pro Bono Week UK

Leicester University Pro Bono Society: Women's Rights in Iran
2022-11-10 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | 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

Battersea Legal Advice Clinic: Internal training and information sessions: Simmons & Simmons (Internal Events)
2022-11-09 14:00 - 15:00
Internal training and information on Employment Law
Internal Event only

Secondary Specialisms – Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) UK with Eversheds Sutherland (online only event)
2022-11-09 13:00 - 13:30 | Online
In this informal webinar, we will discuss KIND UK’s work supporting undocumented children to gain British citizenship and explore how law firms can partner with KIND UK to create a unique pro bono opportunity with life changing consequences for young people.
Speakers will be:

Annie Cooper, National Coordinator for KIND UK
Jane Cotton, Principal Pro Bono Lawyer at Eversheds Sutherland
Chris Hastings, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland.

Registration can be found here

How to get involved in pro bono work in the public sector?: Government Legal Department and the Financial Conduct Authority (Invitation only)
2022-11-09 10:30 - 11:30
Panel discussion hosted by the Government Legal Department and the Financial Conduct Authority on how lawyers in the public sector can undertake pro bono work, drawing on the experience of the Government Legal Department, the Financial Conduct Authority and the In-House Pro Bono Group.
Hybrid event
Invitation only

Law works: Pro Bono Week 2022 - APPG Event; How to sign post your constituents to pro bono help? (Invitation Only)
2022-11-09 10:00 - 11:00 | House of Commons, UK Parliament, London, SW1A 0AA
A collaborative event guiding MPs on how to sign post constituents. Guest speakers will represent various pro bono organisations including Law Works, Pro Bono Connect and Advocate.
For more information, contact Rebecca Wilkinson, CEO at Law Works –rebecca.wilkinson@lawworks.org.uk
In person event – invitation only

Ulster University Law Society: fundraising day
2022-11-09
Ulster University Law Society (Belfast)
Join us for our fundraising events taking place throughout the day including:
Charity Spin-a-thon
Charity bake sale
Venue: Block BC – Belfast Campus – ground floor
In person only

Ulster University Law Society event (Magee Campus)
2022-11-09
We are Ulster University of Magee’s Law Society! We are open to all students who are attending Magee University and in particular those who have an interest in the legal sector.
For more information contact l.hyde@ulster.ac.uk

Lawyers stepping forward when it matters – An event for young lawyers held in partnership with: LYLG, MTYBA, JLSLA, the YBC and Advocate
2022-11-08 18:15 - 20:30 | Middle Temple, Parliament Chamber, Middle Temple, London, EC4Y 9AT
Join us, the Middle Temple Young Barristers’ Association (MTYBA), London Young Lawyers Group (LYLG), the Junior London Solicitors Litigation Association (JLSLA), the Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) and Advocate on Tuesday 08 November between 6.15 – 9pm in The Princes’ Room at Middle Temple for a panel discussion (and hybrid on Zoom), followed by networking and refreshments.
The event will include a keynote address from the Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson MP. The panel will share their experience of taking on pro bono both internationally and in the UK in response to crises, and explain more broadly how pro bono can be a beneficial part of the practice of junior solicitors and barristers. We hope this event will be an inspiring and informative event for young lawyers across the professions and hope to see you there!
Speakers

Keynote address: The Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson MP
Chair: Nadya Rouben, Senior Associate, DLA Piper
Panellists:
Michael Polak, barrister at Church Court Chambers; Chair, Young Bar Committee
Marion Edge, Pro Bono Counsel at Dechert LLP
Catherine Meredith, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers
Olivia Clark, Solicitor, DLA Piper

Registration can be found here (in-person is SOLD OUT! Please register for Zoom tickets)
Arrive: 6:15pm
Hybrid on Zoom: (18:30 to 19:30)
Networking: 19:30-21:00
Venue: Hybrid on Zoom (tickets available) and in person (sold out!): Middle Temple Hall (Princes Room), Middle Temple Lane, London, EC4Y 9BT

Making the Business Case for Pro Bono: BPP University, Leeds Beckett University and Sheffield Hallam University
2022-11-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Join us as we mark Pro Bono Week 2022 with this special collaborative event. Hosted by BPP University, Leeds Beckett University and Sheffield Hallam University, with an introduction by David Barraclough, Chair of the Access to Justice Foundation – Yorkshire, our panel will consider the benefits of pro bono in practice, as well as perceived barriers that may prevent lawyers engaging in pro bono work. Our panellists will share their experiences of delivering pro bono services, particularly in partnership with a law school. There will be opportunity for a Q and A.
Online only
Registration can be found here

Public Interest Litigation on the Intersections between Human Rights and Climate Justice: PILS Project
2022-11-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Pro bono lawyers have a vital role to play in climate justice cases, particularly where those cases impact marginalised communities whose access to justice is impaired or restricted.
This webinar panel event will look at the developing area of rights-based climate litigation and the different ways in which human rights intersect with climate justice.
We will hear from Paul Clark, one of the barristers acting for the Portuguese youth-applicants in their European Court of Human Rights claim against 33 countries in connection with emissions reductions. Sinéad Magner will discuss the gendered impact of the climate crisis and the importance of addressing gender equality as part and parcel of actions to mitigate against climate change. Laura Neal of Friends of the Earth NI will provide valuable insight into the work of inhouse lawyers within environmental NGOs, who are at the cutting edge of driving strategic litigation in this field.
This event, celebrating UK Pro Bono Week 2022, is hosted by The Public Interest Litigation Support (PILS) Project. PILS is a Belfast-based organisation which provides legal and financial support to NGOs and legal professionals in Northern Ireland to help build public interest litigation, thereby advancing human rights and equality for the benefit of society as a whole.
Speakers:
Laura Neal, Friends of the Earth;
Paul Clark, Garden Court Chambers;
Sinéad Magner, WEDO;
Hilary Perry and Kate Barry (facilitators), The PILS Project
Online only
Registration can be found here

Pro Bono Week 2022: Stepping up for Pro Bono in Wales: Pro Bono Committee for Wales
2022-11-08 17:30 - 19:00 | The Law Society Wales Office: Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff CF10 3AG., Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, CF10 3AG
The newly formed Pro Bono Committee for Wales, Legal News Wales and LawWorks Cymru are collaborating to host the first in-person Pro Bono Week event for Wales in some years, focused on bringing the free legal advice sector, legal professionals and legal practices together.
This is a great chance to get to know what’s going on in the local legal advice area and to ask those already volunteering and leading Pro Bono activity what it’s really like and why and how solicitors, CILEx lawyers and barristers should participate.
We are delighted to announce that the Counsel General for Wales, Mick Antoniw MS, will make opening remarks.
Our panel discussion with a diverse range of speakers will explore:
– What ‘Pro Bono’ looks like post pandemic– what are the opportunities for practitioners in and from Wales and how can you fit these into your busy professional lives
– The business case for Pro Bono: The real-time benefits and value for you, your organisation and, importantly, for local communities in Wales
Speakers
– Dr Ola Olusanya, Veterans Legal Link & Director of Learning and Teaching (Department of Law and Criminology) at Aberystwyth University
– Jonathan Rhys Williams, Solicitor at Watkins & Gunn & volunteer at Cardiff Lawyers Care
– Hussein Said, Consultant, Asylum Justice
– Samuel Bass, Associate Solicitor at Newfields & volunteer at Asylum Justice
– David White, Clinic Support & Development Officer (Wales) at LawWorks Cymru
Panel chaired by Emma Waddingham, Editor, Legal News Wales.
Networking
Our panel dicussion will be followed by informal networking and drinks, with the chance to ask further questions and legal professionals, law clinics, free legal advice centres and charities.
We will also provide signposting to the Pro Bono opportunities and network in Wales.
Registration can be found here
Our Pro Bono Week 2022 event ‘Stepping up in Wales’ will be hosted at The Law Society Wales Office: Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff CF10 3AG.
Our sincere thanks to The Law Society Wales team for their support.
In person only event

University of Leicester Pro Bono Society: Climate Change and the Law Event
2022-11-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Peter Williams Lecture Theatre, University of Leicester, LE1 7RH
Pro Bono Project, Legally Green will be hosting an event where academics from the Law school, as well as guest speakers, will present short lectures on a topic related to climate change and the law. The event will conclude with a discussion panel and a Q&A.
From 5-7 pm in the Peter Williams Lecture Theatre, University of Leicester.
Registration: contact sj405@leicester.le.ac.uk

Engaging pro bono: opportunities and added value - Citizens Advice Annual Conference with James Sandbach
2022-11-08 16:15 - 17:15 | Online event
Pro Bono plays a vital role in enabling access to justice for clients at many local offices, partnering with the legal profession to extend our specialist advice offer. This session will look at developments in the pro bono landscape, showcases some examples of great local pro bono initiatives, and share resources and practical support.
This session will be led by James Sandbach; Development Manager at Citizens Advice London.
We welcome Citizens Advice audience, local trustees and service managers potentially interested in clinic development or other ways of working with pro bono sector. In addition, law firms and agencies interested in partnering with their local Citizens Advice. The session is therefore not intended for individual volunteers/students.”
Registration details can be found here
