As part of the 15th Annual National Pro Bono Week, LawWorks and the Bar Pro Bono Unit are pleased to launch the Law School Challenge. The aim of the Challenge is to raise funds for both charities to support the facilitation of free legal advice and to raise awareness of the services available.
About the charities
LawWorks, the leading pro bono charity for solicitors, connects people in need of legal advice and assistance with the skills and expertise of lawyers willing to meet those needs for free. LawWorks is committed to enabling access to justice for those in need of legal advice through supporting a network of over 220 independent legal advice clinics and the brokering of legal advice for small not-for-profit organisations. The Bar Pro Bono Unit is a national charity that match-makes members of the public in need of legal advice with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise on a pro bono basis.
What does the Challenge involve?
Following the success of last year’s Challenge, which saw a record number of Universities around the country taking part, the pro bono charities are looking for teams from Universities, Law Schools, Colleges and Sixth Forms around the country to come up with fun and imaginative ways to fundraise on behalf of both free legal advice charities. Past fundraising activities have included sky diving, salsa nights, cake bakes and mock trials. One team, of any size, from each institution can register to take part and full support will be provided throughout the process. The winners of the challenge will be the team that raises the most amount of money at the end of March 2017.
Why do we need your help fundraising?
The need for pro bono help has grown exponentially since the passing of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (in force as of 1 April 2013).
Next week LawWorks will be publishing their latest clinic report detailing the scale and impact that pro bono advice clinics have for some of the most vulnerable members of the community and the breadth of student pro bono delivery in England and Wales, with over 2,500 students volunteering across the network.
The number of applications received by the Bar Pro Bono Unit has continued to increase and was 88% greater in 2014 (2163) as compared to 2010 (1153). In 2014 the Unit placed 1159 cases with pro bon counsel and 79% of the cases were accepted for assistance.
Funds raised from the Law School Challenge will support the work of both charities enabling them to continue providing crucial legal assistance to individuals across the UK.
What prizes are available?
The winning prizes include:
- A LawWorks and Attorney General Award Student Award for the team that raises the largest amount of funds as well as Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for teams that managed to raise £2000, £1000 and £500.
- Invitations to the LawWorks and Attorney General's Student Pro Bono awards held at the House of Commons - a fantastic accolade for any aspiring lawyer!
- Mid-way fundraising prizes to the teams that have raised the most by the end of January, including a 3-course lunch hosted by partners at a top city firm and book vouchers courtesy of the Law Society.
- Invitations to other events held by LawWorks and the Bar Pro Bono Unit.
- A unique experience for your CV.
- The opportunity to fund the vital pro bono legal advice for those most in need and to make a significant contribution to the pro bono community.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact:
Valerie Hudson or Mary Dobson at lawschoolchallenge@lawworks.org.uk
For updates and further information on the Law School Challenge please like/join us on Social Media:
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Join in the conversation using the hashtag #lawschoolchallenge
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Notes to editors:
- LawWorks is a charity committed to enabling access to justice through free legal advice. LawWorks believes in the power of pro bono legal advice to improve the lives of people in need.
- For additional information about LawWorks and the LawWorks Clincs Network please visit www.lawworks.org.uk
- The Bar Pro Bono Unit is the Bar’s national charity that makes it possible for barristers to balance a dedicated practice with making a significant contribution to the community. The Unit matches members of the public who need help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay.
- For additional information about the Bar Pro Bono Unit please visit: http://www.barprobono.org.uk/
- Press contact: Valerie Hudson t: 020 7092 3952 e: valerie.hudson@lawworks.org.uk