Law firm recruits who choose to defer their start date are being urged to sign up to pro-bono work to avoid gaps in their CVs.

As City firms such as Norton Rose and Penningtons offer graduates £10,000 to take a year out, the Law Society is urging junior lawyers who do defer to fill their time constructively.

Des Hudson, Law Society chief executive, called on recruits to sign up to pro-bono initiatives. He said: ‘These future solicitors have skills which are in great demand, more so now, and by taking up pro-bono work the community will benefit as will a future solicitor’s CV.

‘Solicitors have a proud tradition of carrying out voluntary work and giving free legal advice and other assistance to those unable to afford it. That tradition stretches right across the profession from the larger firms to the smallest.’

‘There is a tremendous amount of support available for members of the legal profession who are interested in getting involved in pro-bono work. The Law Society Junior Lawyers Division provides an excellent source of information and guidance.’

The Law Centres Federation also called on City firms to maintain their pro bono programmes as they cut costs during the recession.

Federation director Julie Bishop said: ‘Large firms in particular have responded magnificently in the past few years, developing full corporate social responsibility and pro bono departments. It would be tragic if that progress were to be lost at the very time it is most needed.’

For more information visit www.juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk/toptips_probono