For immediate release: Wednesday 25th March
The LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono awards celebrate the best pro bono activities undertaken by law students and law schools from across the UK.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the House of Lords on Thursday 28th April with the Attorney General, The Rt Hon. Lord Hermer KC.
Lord Goldsmith KC, Chair of LawWorks said:
"It has been a pleasure to see the shortlist for this year’s LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards and the exceptional standard of work it represents. What stands out is not only the impact being made, but the sense of purpose behind it, with students stepping forward to support individuals and organisations who might otherwise struggle to access legal advice, often at moments when that support is most needed.
These students represent a new generation of lawyers for whom pro bono is not an optional extra, but an integral part of what it means to practise law. They are already helping to shape the future of both the profession and access to justice, demonstrating that legal expertise can and should be used to serve the wider public good.
At a time when many continue to face barriers in accessing legal support, the contribution being made through these initiatives is both meaningful and necessary.
My thanks go to our judges for the time and consideration they bring to this process, and to the Attorney General for his continued support of the Awards. Above all, congratulations to everyone shortlisted, and to the staff and supervisors who support this work. This year’s shortlist reflects the exceptional quality and breadth of work being undertaken by students and law schools across the UK.”
Josh Giddens, Director of Practical Guidance UK, said:
“We are proud to continue our long-standing support of the LawWorks Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards. At a time when access to justice remains under real pressure, it is inspiring to see so many students stepping forward with such commitment and purpose to pro bono work.
Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and reflects not only the impact of their work, but also the values that will shape the future of the legal profession. These students, and the institutions supporting them, are playing a vital role in strengthening access to justice and upholding the rule of law.
At LexisNexis, our mission is to advance the rule of law and bring more people within its protection. Sponsoring these awards, and the institutions behind them, is an important part of that commitment.”
This year, we recieved over sixty nominations from law schools, universities and law clinics across England and Wales. The shortlisted nominees are:
Best New Pro Bono Activity
- Fresh Claims Project, Cardiff University
- LSE Homelessness Legal Clinic, LSE Law School
- Family Law Clinic, University of Bedfordshire
- University of Leicester Legal Advice Clinic Immigration Service
- LEAP (LGBTQI+ Evidence for Asylum Project), University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic
Best Contribution by an Individual Student
- Caitlin Amos, University of Exeter Women and Law Society
- Tom Bird, Keele University Legal Advice Clinic
- Will Cleary, Coventry University
- Gia Dhami, Birmingham City University
- Josh Hilditch, The University of Law
- Brenda McNally, Ulster University
- Maria McRobb-Roldan, University of Southampton
- Pardis Pasdar, King's College London
Best Contribution by a Team of Students
- Legal Advocacy Support Project, Bristol Law Centre
- LSE Legal Advice Clinic Team, LSE Law School
- Knife Crime Prevention Policy Law Clinic with the Josh Hanson Trust, Lancaster University, the Open University, and University of Lancashire
- Reach out to Sanctuary Seekers, University of Chester
- Junior Lawyers Against Poverty Southampton, University of Southampton
- Student Outdoor Clerks, Criminal Justice Law Clinic, University of Sussex
Best Contribution by a Law School
- Cardiff University Law School Pro Bono Unit
- LawIRL service at The City Law School
- LSE Legal Advice Centre
- Sheffield Hallam University
- The University of Portsmouth School of Law
- The University of Law Pro Bono Department
We are grateful to this year’s panel of judges for giving their time and expertise to support the Awards. Their insight and care play an important role in recognising the impact of student pro bono.
The judges for the 2026 Awards are:
- I.Stephanie Boyce (Hon.Causa) CBE FKC, Former President of the Law Society
- Josh Giddens, Director of Practical Guidance, LexisNexis
- Deborah Smith, Executive Director & Senior Counsel, Goldman Sachs
- Marina Faggonato, Joint Chair- Pro Bono & Social Reponsibility Committee, Bar Council
- Mark Evans, President, The Law Society
- Toby Brown, Chair of National Pro Bono Week and Member of the Bar Council Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Committee
LawWorks would like to congratulate all the shortlisted nominees and thank everyone who submitted nominations and took the time to celebrate student pro bono. We would also like to thank the judges for their hard work in drawing up the shortlist from a very impressive list of nominations, and LexisNexis for their continued sponsorship of the Awards.
For further information on the Student Pro Bono Awards, please visit: www.lawworks.org.uk/student-awards
The Law School Challenge 2025-26
The Law School Challenge will close on 2 April, and the winning team will also be announced at the LawWorks and Student Pro Bono Awards ceremony.
The Challenge is a student-led fundraising initiative that raises awareness of pro bono and supports the delivery of free legal advice.
For further questions about the LawWorks and Attorney General's Student Pro Bono Awards, please contact:
Shivani Clancy, Communications Officer: shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk