Pro Bono Week UK

Changing lives through pro bono - BPP University Social Impact Team
2023-11-08 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Online event
An interactive online panel event showcasing the amazing work BPP does in the Social Impact Team involving our student volunteers and some of the external partners we support. Panellists will be sharing insights into their pro bono work, highlighting some of the cases they were responsible for and demonstrating the significant impact they had on those clients.
Confirmed panellists:

Hannah Lennox, Solicitor at BPP Legal Advice Clinic
Aqsa Ullah, Solicitor Apprentice at Allen & Overy LLP
Ayguzel Abdulla, BPP Social Impact student volunteer
Frankie Hall, Solicitor at Shelter

Nottingham Law School and Support Through Court Celebratory Event - [invitation only]
2023-11-08 17:30 - 19:30
The event celebrates the launch of the new flagship Support Through Court National Online Service and will be an opportunity to hear more about the partnership between Nottingham Law School and Support Through Court and how we work together to help people going to court without legal representation, locally and nationally.

CLIPS & Pro Bono Week Event - Chancery Bar Association
2023-11-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Serle Court, Lincoln's Inn, 6 New Square, London, WC2A 3QS
Come and join the Chancery Bar Association to celebrate Pro Bono Week on Wednesday, 8 November at 5pm at Serle Court.
Discover how our renowned CLIPS scheme delivers access to justice for litigants in person with interim applications in the Chancery Division.
There will be a light-hearted roleplay followed by a Q&A and refreshments.
Ideal for practitioners who have not done CLIPS recently or are thinking about volunteering for CLIPS for the first time.
The event is open to to anyone eligible to volunteer for CLIPS (i.e. a member of any one of the larger civil SBAs).

Chambers tea - 4 Stone Buildings - [internal only]
2023-11-08 16:30 - 17:00
Two Advocate Caseworkers will be joining Chambers tea to share briefly on pro bono work and network with members.
Internal only event.

Chambers tea - Blackstone Chambers - [internal]
2023-11-08 16:00 - 16:30
Two Advocate Caseworkers will be joining Chambers tea to share briefly on pro bono work and network with members.
Internal event only.

Pro Bono Fair - The City Law School - [internal-only]
2023-11-08 15:00 - 17:00 | City Law School, The City Law School, 165 Goswell Road,, London, EC1V 7HD
An opportunity for students of The City Law School to meet representatives of a variety of major law firms to learn about pro bono initiatives they can get involved in, and how pro bono work can help prepare them for future legal careers.
For City Law Students only.
The event will take place in the atrium of the City Law School Building.
We have some amazing Law Firms and charities attending on the day, who will talk more to students about the pro bono their firms do, and how to address this in applications for training contracts.
It is an opportunity to meet friendly firms who are keen to meet City’s law students at an informal event, where you can talk to firm representatives about their work. Any aspiring lawyers should attend to hear more!
During the fair we will also be producing a short film for #probonoweek to record the event and hear more from the lawyers who do pro bono; what it means to them and their clients; and why students should get involved.
The organisations attending the fair are:
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Arnold & Porter
Ashurst
Leducate
Islington Advice Clinic
Advocate
Amicus ALJ
Clyde & Co
CMS

Changing lives through pro bono: how can law students help? - Dundee Law School - [invitation only]
2023-11-08 14:00 - 16:00
The University of Dundee Law School is hosting this event as part of Pro bono Week 2023. Pro Bono Week is part of a global celebration of pro bono that takes place every year and this year we want to recognise and support the voluntary contribution made by those across Dundee and beyond in giving free legal help to those most in need.

This panel event brings together some of our local charities and organisations that offer free legal support and assistance to members of our local community. Come along and hear about the work that they do, why they do it, and what you as law students and future lawyers can do to get involved. Ask questions and be a part of the discussion.
If you are interested in being involved please email RSamaras001@dundee.ac.uk

Changing Lives through Pro Bono - University of Edinburgh
2023-11-08 13:00 - 15:00 | MacLaren Stuart Room, Old College, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL
During this panel our speakers (Lourens Grové, Julianna Cartwright, and a selection of students) will discuss the current Pro Bono Work which is undertaken by the Law School at the University of Edinburgh, how you can get involved and what it’s all about. There will be a Q&A session, alongside tea and coffee.
Highlights include: the Free Legal Advice Centre (including the Volunteer Law Clinic and Faculty of Advocate Referrals) and the Tax Clinic.
Lourens Grové is currently a Senior Lecturer in Clinical and Experiential Legal Education at the University of Edinburgh. Previously from the University of Pretoria, where he has undertaken numerous roles, perhaps most notably as the Supervising Attorney and then Chief Attorney in the University’s Law Clinic since 2005.
Julianna Cartwright has a wide ranging practice encompassing family law, mental health and professional negligence and is instructed in the Court of Session and the Sheriff Court.
The one hour talk will be followed by refreshments.

Volunteering for TPO and making a difference - The Pensions Ombudsman
2023-11-08 12:30 - 13:30 | Online event
During this year’s Pro Bono Week we will be celebrating the contribution lawyers and other pension professional make to The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) Early Resolution Service. Our webinar panellists, which will include several lawyers, will share why they volunteer with TPO, what they and their firms get out of it, and how they make a difference for the people whose complaint they are helping to resolve.
To attend this FREE webinar you need to register by clicking on the link below.

Pro Bono with: Eversheds Sutherland - University of Manchester Pro Bono Society - [internal only]
2023-11-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Eversheds Sutherland LLP Manchester, Two New Bailey, M3 5GX
Join us to learn more about the firm’s Pro Bono work and hear from their representatives.
There will be an opportunity to network with trainees/associates at the firm + a Q&A after the presentation.
Lunch and refreshments will also be provided.
This event is only open to members of the University of Manchester Pro Bono Society.

Pro Bono Fair & Clothing Drive - Simmons & Simmons - [internal only]
2023-11-08 00:00 | Simmons & Simmons, CityPoint, 1 Ropemaker St, London, EC2Y 9SS
Several of our brilliant pro bono charity partners will be hosting stalls for Simmons’ staff to find out about the organisations, what they do and how to get involved.
We’re also hosting a clothing drive for ‘The Passage’ to collect much-needed clothing to help this charity in supporting those at risk of spending a night on the streets of Westminster.

Law Clinic Reception - Citizens Advice St Albans & District Law Clinic - [invitation-only]
2023-11-07 19:00 - 20:30
We will be focusing on the impact our pro bono service has had on the lives of local people over the past 25 years.

The Young Lawyers event - JLSLA, LYLG, MTYBA and the YBC
2023-11-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Hybrid: in person and streamed online
An event for young lawyers held in partnership with: JLSLA, LYLG, MTYBA and the YBC.
Join the Junior London Solicitors Litigation Association (JLSLA), London Young Lawyers Group (LYLG), the Middle Temple Young Barristers’ Association (MTYBA) and the Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) on Tuesday 7th November between 6.30 – 9pm in The Parliament Chamber at Middle Temple for a panel discussion, followed by networking and refreshments. Also hybrid on Zoom.
Speakers
Keynote address: The Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson MP

Lauren Gest, Associate, Baker McKenzie (Chair)
Jonathon Caunt, Senior Associate, Clifford Chance
George Fahey, Associate, RPC
Luke Richardson, Senior Associate, Baker McKenzie

Elizabeth Walsh, 4 Stone Buildings

Venue: In person – Parliament Chamber at Middle Temple
Time: 6:30pm for 6:45pm start until 9pm.
Hybrid on Zoom (6:45 to 7:45pm)

GLD Pro Bono Week with Advocate (internal only)
2023-11-07 14:00 - 14:45 | Online event
Oliver Dixon, GLD barrister, will share on his experience of taking on pro bono work and Advocate, will share a short presentation on how to take on pro bono work as an employed barrister.

GLD Pro Bono Week event with Advocate - [internal only]
2023-11-07 14:00 - 14:45 | Online event
Oliver Dixon, GLD barrister, will share his experience of taking on pro bono work and Advocate will share a short presentation on how to take on pro bono work as an employed barrister.
Open to GLD lawyers only.

ESG Alumni Perspectives - University of Edinburgh
2023-11-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Usha Kasera Lecture Theatre, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL
Jacquelyn MacLennan (LLB, 1983 & PGD, 1984) was a Partner at White & Case, one of the world’s leading global law firm of more than 2,500 lawyers worldwide. Jacquelyn focused in particular on EU competition law, international trade law (customs law, sanctions and export controls) and risk management issues. She is recognised as a leading lawyer in her areas of expertise and human rights. Jacquelyn was the Leader of White & Case’s Global Pro Bono Practice, and actively involved in White & Case’s support for Bhutan’s first law school, and the African Centre on Law & Ethics Programme, where she teaches legal ethics and business and human rights to young lawyers and law students.
During the talk Jacquelyn will reflect on her career since graduating from Edinburgh Law School, becoming the Global Pro Bono Practice Leader for White & Case, and speak about the relationship between ESG and pro bono.

Roundtable Discussion about the Major Incidents Response Plan - The Law Society of England & Wales in partnership with LawWorks - [invitation-only]
2023-11-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, Exchange House, 12 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EG
In celebration of Pro Bono Week, the Law Society of England & Wales in partnership with LawWorks, is holding a private roundtable discussion to discuss our Major Incidents Response Plan. Chaired by the Law Society President, Nick Emmerson, this private roundtable will launch a series of events about the Major Incidents Response Plan over the coming year. These events will be held between the Law Society, LawWorks, stakeholders and our legal panellists to consider issues such as legal need, eligibility criteria, communications and scenario planning in the event of a qualifying major incident.

Although this event is by invitation only, if your law firm is interested in hearing more about the Major Incidents Response Plan or would like to join our legal pro bono panel, please contact rebecca.wilkinson@lawworks.org.uk.

University of Chester - Legal Advice Clinic Inductions (Internal Only)
2023-11-07
During pro bono week, student volunteers and their student project managers from Chester Community Law Project (CCLP) will be forging ahead with their action points from last week’s CCLP induction and first team meetings for our project partnerships with the following community stakeholders: Pregnant Then Screwed, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, SPACE Cheshire, Warrington Dementia Café, Passion for Learning, Higher Horizons, ShareAid, Castlefields Surgery, BAWSO, Tomorrow’s Women.
On Thursday 9 November, student volunteers at the University of Chester will attend their induction sessions for our Legal Advice Clinics (students only, by invitation).

The Clinical Legal Education Organisation Launch of Buddy Scheme for the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine (Internal Only)
2023-11-07
On Tuesday 7 November, the Clinical Legal Education Organisation (CLEO) is launching its pro bono buddying scheme between members of CLEO and members of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine. The scheme aims to share best practice between buddied pro bono colleagues and their students and the launch will entail UK and Ukrainian colleagues introducing their work and discussing how the scheme will operate.

Film Screening & Panel Event #RethinkingRefugee - Bristol Pro Bono Group - [invitation only]
2023-11-07
“For Sama” Film Screening with an information session hosted by ACH (Ashley Community & Housing) on #RethinkingRefugee.
The event will consist of an information session hosted by Fuad Mahamed, CEO of ACH, to discuss the great work ACH are doing in the local community and how the local legal profession can play a key role in #RethinkingRefugee; followed by a screening of the documentary film “For Sama” which tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo and her experiences raising her daughter while cataclysmic conflict rises around her.
This event is hosted at Simmons & Simmons in Bristol.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH Pro Bono Week 2023: Transforming lives through pro bono
2023-11-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, Exchange House, 12 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EG
We are delighted to be joined by the Attorney General the Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP to launch Pro Bono Week 2023. We will host a short panel 6 – 7pm featuring inspiring examples of how pro bono can truly change lives (hybrid on Zoom and in person).
In person networking will follow the panel, from 7pm onwards, with a chance to meet people from across the legal and access to justice sectors with a shared interest in pro bono work of all kinds.
Register now to join us at https://pbw2023.eventbrite.co.uk. Those registering for the online ticket will receive a Zoom link closer to the time.
Speakers confirmed so far include:

Attorney General, The Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP
Lady Rose, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
A five minute video message from Andy Malkinson, freed in December 2020 after serving a 17-year custodial sentence, following pro bono efforts.
Katie Cotton, partner at Orrick, and advocate in the Voices for Families pro bono project.
Caron Heyes, legal director at Fieldfisher and leader of Rachel’s Voice – a project to provide pro bono assistance through inquests to families following the deaths of people with learning disabilities.
Laura Hyne, associate at Reed Smith who has worked on the Maternity Action Pro Bono email advice service since 2021.
Annahita Moradi, barrister at One Pump Court and Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year 2022.
Mair Williams, employed barrister at Latham & Watkins and a Trustee/Director of APPEAL

Our thanks for to Herbert Smith Freehills for kindly hosting this year’s launch!
Thanks jampondphotography.com for providing photography service pro bono to the event.

Maximising the impact of qLegal’s pro bono commercial law clinic - qLegal - [invitation only]
2023-11-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS), Queen Mary, University of London, 67-69 Lincoln's Inn Fields,, London, WC2A 3JB
qLegal’s commercial law clinic provides legal advice, education and support to start-ups and entrepreneurs. We will be joined by lawyers from some of our partner law firms, who will discuss why they volunteer with qLegal, and their thoughts on how we can maximise the impact of qLegal’s pro bono work.
A panel discussion, followed by networking.
Speakers will include lawyers from CMS, Morrison Foerster, Sidley Austin (and more).
This event is only open to qLegal students (invitation only).

Pro Bono drop-in - Norfolk Community Law Service
2023-11-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Norfolk Community Law Service, 14 Prince of Wales Rd, Norwich, NR1 1LB
This drop-in event at NCLS offices will be open for any interested potential volunteers, with the CEO discussing volunteering with NCLS and the role of pro bono work in enabling greater access to justice across Norfolk.
The event will take place alongside the Great Legal Bake.

Great Legal Bake
2023-11-06 - 2023-11-10
The sweetest fundraiser of the year, the Great Legal Bake, returns from the 6 – 10 November 2023.

Calling all Star Bakers
Could you raise dough to support free frontline services that help some of society’s most vulnerable people? Are sweet treats up your street or does savoury make you rave-ery?
Whether it’s blondies or brownies, millefeuilles or petits fours, Black Forest gateau or Swiss roll, millionaire’s shortbread or pound cake, taking part is easy as pie. And if sweet stuff doesn’t melt your butter why not make samosas, sausage rolls, or savoury scones?
All you need to do is register through the button below and we’ll send you a bake pack full of useful stuff like posters, labels and stickers. So grab a group of friends or colleagues and organise a bake sale in your office, chambers, court or university and sell your tasty treats.
Are you a crummy baker, but you’d still like to take part? Why not see if a local bakery might donate some cupcakes?
If you are not able to take part during the official bake week, you are still welcome to sign up to bake on a date of your choice. Just let us know on the sign up form below!
Celebrating Pro Bono Week
The Great Legal Bake is part of Pro Bono Week. There will be a photo competition during the week, judged by Toby Brown – Chair of the Pro Bono Week Committee and Barrister at South Square. Prizes will be awarded for:

Best Themed Cake
Tastiest Looking Cake
Best Overall Cake

To enter, be sure to share your photos on social media using #GreatLegalBake, or send you photo entries to signups@llst.org.uk.
Sign up to the Great Legal Bake
To sign up visit LLST’s website.

Chambers Seminar - Field Court Chambers - [internal]
2023-11-02 17:00 - 17:30
Internal event, organised by Chambers. Field Court Chambers has organised a seminar on pro bono work for their members. Go along to find out more about how and why to take on pro bono work.

Chambers Seminar - One Essex Court - [internal]
2023-10-26 08:00 - 17:00
Join your Chambers Pro Bono Champion and two of Advocate’s Caseworkers for a short internal seminar. The seminar will explore how pro bono work can help with practice development, while also making a real difference to the lives of individuals in need of legal assistance who cannot afford to pay. We will also cover the practical steps of how to start taking on pro bono cases and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Time TBC
Internal only event

Chambers Seminar - 7BR - [internal]
2023-10-24 08:00 - 17:00
Internal event, organised by Chambers. 7BR Pro Bono Champions have organised a seminar on pro bono work for their members. Go along to find out more about how and why to take on pro bono work.
Time TBC

Pro bono connections: The benefits of pro bono collaboration - Pro Bono Connect (Law Works) with Arnold and Porter **DATE CHANGED**
2022-11-30 08:30 - 10:30 | Arnold and Porter, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HQ, United Kingdom
Owing to strikes on the underground, this event has now moved to Wednesday 30th November, 8:30-10am**

An opportunity to welcome you in person to hear from participating solicitors, barristers and clients about the value of collaborating on pro bono litigation cases, and the positive impact on outcomes by working as a team.
Speakers

Chloe Binding – (Associate at Derbert LLP)
Fatima Bhula – (Pro bono Connect Executive Officer at Law Works)
Eleanor Campbell – (Barrister at One Essex Court)
Jamie Goldsmith KC – (Founder of Pro Bono Connect)
Sahana Jayakumar – (Barrister at Crown Office Chambers)
Jane Wessel – (Partner at Arnold and Porter)
Shyam Popat – (Chief Operating Officer and Director of Casework at Advocate)

Breakfast and Networking: 8.30am
Discussions: 9:00am-10:00am
Registration can be found here
Venue: Arnold and Porter London Office
In person-only event

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 | 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
