'Not a substitute for legal aid': LCJ endorses 'recognition list' for pro bono work

Solicitors who provided 25 hours of pro bono support last year can have their names added to an official list endorsed by the lady chief justice.

Set up by the attorney general’s pro bono committee, the Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales has been designed to recognise the legal profession’s contribution to supporting those in need.

To feature on the list, lawyers must have done at least 25 hours of pro bono work in the previous year.

Asked about the verification process for contributions, the Gazette was told the declaration that the relevant solicitors and barristers have undertaken the pro bono work is taken on trust. Organisations that make bulk submissions are responsible for confirming the accuracy of the information submitted. Lawyers making individual submissions are similarly required to attest to the accuracy of the information they submit.

Lady chief justice Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, patron of the list, said: ‘Solicitors and barristers have a long history of volunteering their time to provide free legal advice and representation to individuals and charities who cannot otherwise pay for help. Pro bono is not a substitute for legal aid, but it is a valuable part of our system of justice, working alongside the advice sector. It is encouraging to see how much pro bono work is being undertaken across England and Wales, yet most lawyers’ individual contributions are unsung, when they should be recognised and celebrated.'

The list is backed by the Law Society and Bar Council, as well as Access to Justice Foundation, Advocate, Advocates for International Development, Clinical Legal Education Organisation, In-House Pro Bono Group, LawWorks, National Pro Bono Centre and TrustLaw.

Society president Nick Emmerson said: ‘It is a unique opportunity to recognise all those lawyers who give their time to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford it. Pro bono work is just one way of bridging the gap between needs and legal representation by empowering individuals who would otherwise be left vulnerable and voiceless to access justice. Pro bono has a profound impact on the lives of countless people and communities. This initiative emphasises the commitment of the legal profession to the values of fairness and equality.’

The closing date for submissions is 24 May.

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