Volunteers Week 2025

At LawWorks, every day we see how volunteer lawyers and law students make a real difference – offering their time, skills, and compassion to help people who would otherwise face legal problems alone. Whether it’s supporting someone facing eviction, helping a charity navigate complex regulations, or empowering communities through legal education, pro bono work is a lifeline.

“The ability to make a genuine, tangible difference in someone's life, even as a student, is incredibly empowering and uniquely rewarding"

Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to say thank you – to every legal professional who steps forward to give back. Their commitment helps build a fairer, more accessible justice system for all.

We will be sharing volunteers' stories of pro bono across the week and look forward to celebrating their passion with you.

Hollie, Law Clinic Student Volunteer

Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Hollie, I am a student advisor at Cardiff University Law Clinic, where I have been volunteering for eight months. 

What motivated you to start volunteering?

My decision to volunteer at the Cardiff University Law Clinic stems from a deep belief in the foundational principle of the rule of law—that everyone deserves equal access to justice. I observed firsthand how continuous cuts to legal aid funding have created significant barriers, preventing many from exercising this fundamental right. Recognising my fortunate position as a law student, supported by the Cardiff University Law Clinic, I felt compelled to contribute proactively. Volunteering offers a direct avenue to help bridge this gap, empowering individuals and assisting them in navigating complex legal processes to access the justice they are entitled to.

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering?

Many of the cases we handle involve highly emotive and important issues for our clients—situations that can drastically affect their housing or families, for example. What's truly rewarding is seeing how our legal assistance, even through seemingly small actions like explaining a complex process or explaining their available steps can bring immense relief and a sense of hope. This direct human connection and the opportunity to apply my developing legal knowledge to genuinely important real-world problems has been incredibly fulfilling.

What benefits have you experienced personally?

Volunteering at law clinic has allowed me to explore legal issues beyond the textbook, taking a formative role in analysing complex situations and devising bespoke practical solutions for our clients. Such direct responsibility for contributing to our clients' lives has instilled in me a much stronger sense of commitment and ownership. I've learned the critical importance of diligence and reliability, understanding that people's lives are directly impacted by the advice and assistance we, as student advisors, provide.

How do you feel about volunteering?

Volunteering has been one of the most enriching experiences of my law degree and I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering at Cardiff University Law Clinic or to other legal pro-bono organisations. Unlike many other opportunities, the clinic, specifically, offers direct client interaction under expert supervision.  This allows for a truly formative role in client interviewing, legal research, and composing tailored advice that directly addresses individuals' pressing issues. 

“The ability to make a genuine, tangible difference in someone's life, even as a student, is incredibly empowering and uniquely rewarding. For any aspiring legal professional, the opportunity to participate in a pro-bono organisation should not be understated.”

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

To anyone considering pro bono work, it is one of the most fulfilling and impactful decisions you can make. While it demands time and dedication, the opportunity to support access to justice and empower individuals in vulnerable situations is incredibly meaningful. Your skills can truly transform lives—and in the process, you’ll likely find your own enriched in ways you didn’t expect!

Is there anything else you wanted to add?

Despite the principle of equal access to justice, funding cuts to legal aid and the high costs of legal service creates a significant justice gap for many who cannot afford legal representation or advice. In response, pro bono organisations have become invaluable, stepping in to bridge this gap and ensure that justice is not only available to those who can afford it. Without pro bono, individuals may not know their rights, cannot challenge injustices, or may be forced to accept disproportionate outcomes simply because the resources to aid them are unavailable. Further, pro bono work has established itself as not just a stopgap measure but a critical component of a fair and functioning legal system. Pro bono works often help resolve legal issues early, preventing them from escalating into more serious problems. Legal problems rarely exist in isolation—an unresolved housing issue can lead to homelessness, for example. By intervening early, pro bono also contributes to broader social stability and community well-being.