Law firms, chambers, legal societies, charities, universities and law schools are encouraged during Pro Bono Week to plan events and social media focussing on four themes:
- Changing lives through pro bono - Highlighting how legal volunteering makes a difference to the public and can even lead to changes in the law.
- Celebrating pro bono - Showcasing pro bono work and achievements of volunteer lawyers;
- Why pro bono is good for you - Demonstrating the career value of pro bono through events which explore the benefits of pro bono in terms of collaboration and impact on practice development.
- New developments in pro bono - Specific areas of development and best practice in pro bono schemes, such as cross-sector collaboration, integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into pro bono practice, improving pro bono technical assistance and use of new legal technology.
Pro Bono Week 2019 was announced recently by the Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP during a speech at the National Pro Bono Centre, who said:
"Pro Bono Week offers us a chance to celebrate and recognise some of the extraordinary contributions lawyers make in giving free legal help to those in need. In November, Pro Bono Week returns for its 18th year, and will continue to highlight the many ways members of the legal community can volunteer their time and expertise to help individuals, charities and community groups.”
Newly refreshed this year, the Pro Bono Week organising committee comprises representatives from pro bono charities, law firms and law schools, with contributions from across the sector including Bar Council, CILEx and the Law Society.
Resources and updates are at www.nationalprobonocentre.org.uk/national-pro-bono-week/ Organisers of events should email probonoweek@atjf.org.uk to add their events to the online calendar, or for advice on events to hold.