The number of law schools offering pro bono legal advice has risen significantly thanks to a boost in support from solicitors, a report published this week has found.

The report by pro bono charity LawWorks showed a 40% increase over the last five years in the number of law schools providing pro bono advice.

Some 65% of all law schools in England and Wales are now actively engaged.

The Law Society funded a three-year project through LawWorks, aimed at supporting law schools to do pro bono work. The project finished in November 2010.

The report, based on a survey of 111 law schools, found that the project had boosted law school participation in pro bono work.

The research also found an increase in support from solicitors, with firms now the major partners and funding providers of law school pro bono programmes.

Law Society chief executive Desmond Hudson said: ‘We are delighted to see the growth in pro bono programmes over recent years at law schools, and are particularly delighted by important role that solicitors have played in helping to achieve this.’

LawWorks chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said: ‘The results are testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of students, law school staff and their pro bono partners.

'The extent of activity is particularly impressive in light of the complete absence of available funding in nearly a third of the relevant academic institutions.

‘Our feedback suggests that the support provided to law schools by the LawWorks student project has significantly contributed to the growth in activity, and we are hugely grateful to the Law Society for funding it.’

The end of the dedicated three-year student project in the autumn of 2010 marked the beginning of a new strategic partnership between LawWorks and the Law Society. This arrangement will enable continued support to students and law schools.

More information on law schools’ pro bono activities is available at the Student Bro Bono site.