Lawyers are being encouraged to participate in events during Pro Bono Week – which launches next week with a discussion on how the profession can respond to the cost of living crisis.

Pro Bono Week, now in its 21st year, promotes and supports the work of lawyers who volunteer their services for free to people and organisations unable to afford legal advice.

Society president Lubna Shuja said: ‘Pro Bono Week is a great opportunity to shine a light on the important work lawyers do for free to help those in need of crucial legal advice.

‘I encourage members of the legal profession to participate in events during Pro Bono Week and consider whether they too can volunteer. Pro bono work helps ensure people have access to justice and enables solicitors and firms to give back to their communities.’

This year’s event will focus on six areas: pro bono coordination during emergencies; the climate crisis; the value of pro bono for the purposes of recruitment and retention; remote volunteering, pro bono and funded advice as an allyship; and training to meet the most urgent legal needs in communities.

The first day of events will include a discussion on the current cost of living crisis and how the pro bono sector can respond. Speakers will include attorney general Victoria Prentis MP.

Shuja said: ‘Of course, pro bono is not a substitute for legal aid. It is vital the justice system is properly funded and resourced so that access to justice is not determined by means or the lottery of whether you can find someone to help you on a charitable basis.’

Visit the Pro Bono Week 2022 website for more details on next week's events.

 

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