The value of pro bono work done annually by lawyers has soared to more than £400m according to estimates published by the Law Society in advance of next week’s national pro bono week.

The estimated value of the pro bono work performed by private practice solicitors in the 12 months to June 2009 was £399m – an increase of 18% since 2007. The sum, based on the number and value of chargeable hours, represents 2% of the total gross fee income for 2008.

That figure does not include the contribution made by in-house solicitors or other legal professionals such as barristers or legal executives.

Next week sees the launch of national pro bono week, which begins with a joint conference attended by the heads of the Law Society, Bar Council and Institute of Legal Executives .

More than 100 activities will be taking place nationwide throughout the week, demonstrating the range of pro bono services regularly offered by law firms, law students, community centres and other professionals offering free advice sessions.

Law Society president Robert Heslett said: ‘This week celebrates the exceptional amount of pro bono work undertaken by each strand of the legal profession, who regularly use their professional skills to support individuals and communities with otherwise unmet legal needs. The common feature in national pro bono week is the willingness of lawyers to put something back into the community.

‘The commitment of lawyers to provide access to justice for the most vulnerable members of our society, who are ineligible for legal aid, remains one of the most influential factors in the decisions of many law firms to establish and/or develop pro bono programmes. It must be remembered that pro bono is not a replacement for a legal aid system adequately funded by government.’

Bar Council chairman, Desmond Browne QC, said: ‘The Bar Pro Bono Unit, the Free Representation Unit, and all those who give their time and expertise for free to those who need it most, are an incredibly important part of the Bar’s contribution to the community.’