More solicitors recognised on LCJ-endorsed pro bono list

An annual list - endorsed by the lady chief justice - recognising lawyers for their pro bono work has grown by nearly 1,000 names this year.

The second Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales, published this week, features 4,780 legal professionals – up from 3,762 in last year’s inaugural list. The list recognises lawyers who have given at least 25 hours of free legal assistance in the previous calendar year.

Lady chief justice Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill said: ‘I am pleased to recognise and thank all those solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives and registered foreign or European lawyers who have undertaken 25 hours or more of pro bono work over the last year. I am particularly pleased to see that a number of lawyers appear for the second time, having been recognised on last year’s inaugural List, showing their continued commitment to pro bono.

‘The judiciary sees first-hand the importance of pro bono advice and representation in assisting those who might not otherwise receive legal help. I hope that recognition on the list encourages the legal profession to continue its commitment to providing pro bono help to those in need.’

This year’s list features 2,000 people appearing for the second time and 2,846 new entrants. Solicitors, once again, dominate – 3,969 solicitors feature this year, up from 3,284 last year. Also on this year’s list are 617 barristers, 55 registered foreign lawyers, two registered European lawyers and 137 chartered legal executives.

Law Society president Richard Atkinson said everyone has the right to access justice and pro bono benefits those most in need, but ‘it cannot be a substitute for legal aid’.