LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) have announced that, after nearly seven years in the role, Martin Barnes will stand down as Chief Executive. Martin will continue in the role until a new chief executive is in post.
Martin Barnes said:
“It has been an immense privilege to have had the opportunity to have spent nearly 7 years as the CEO of such a wonderful organisation, working with such great and inspiring colleagues within the charity and across the pro bono and access to justice sectors.
After more than 25 years in senior leadership roles (and fast approaching the age of 60), I have decided to ‘semi-retire’ and focus on other personal interests, and to make a contribution in a different way.
I am immensely proud of the hard work and achievements of all LawWorks staff, volunteers and trustees, and the individuals, teams, projects and organisations we work with. The charity is in a very good place, made possible by the support and contribution of LawWorks’ members and very many stakeholders, partners, funders and supporters, as well as by the dedication of our staff and management team.
I will remain at LawWorks until a new CEO is appointed and able to start following a handover, which we anticipate will be by next Spring at the latest. The LawWorks Trustees will be commencing recruitment soon.”
Alasdair Douglas, chair of LawWorks said:
“Martin has made an enormous contribution to LawWorks and, it follows, to access to justice for those without the means to pay for legal help. He has taken LawWorks to a new level in terms of professionalism and stability. In the past two years Martin has laid the foundations for a new digital future for accessing pro bono – this, I am sure, will be a lasting legacy to the sector.
Martin has also played a major role in bringing together many different organisations involved in access to justice. Emphasising the importance of collaboration, helping to ensure that the sector speaks with a single voice on policy wherever it can, and facilitating charities working together have been major achievements during his time as CEO. On a personal level, Martin has been the best of colleagues – I will miss his detailed analysis of issues, his leadership, his firm grip on governance and finances, his lack of ego, his dedication to our cause and, most of all, his unfailingly good and optimistic company.”
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Further information:
LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity that promotes, supports and facilitates pro bono legal services that extend access to the law for individuals and communities in need and the organisations that assist them. LawWorks supports a network of over 300 independent pro bono clinics across England and Wales, and facilitates free legal advice for smaller charities and social enterprises through its Not-For-Profits Programme. LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.