LawWorks Pro Bono Conference

Get ready for a day of learning, networking, and collaboration at the LawWorks Pro Bono Conference!

The LawWorks Pro Bono Conference 2025 will bring together pro bono clinic and law firm coordinators and volunteers as well as stakeholders from the wider advice sector. The conference is kindly sponsored by Simmons & Simmons

Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing. This in-person event is a must-attend for legal professionals passionate about pro bono work. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights to enhance your pro bono practice.

Below is an evolving overview of the plan for the day, which will be updated as speakers and sessions are confirmed.

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Conference programme

09:00 - 09:30

Registration and networking


09:30 - 09:45

Conference opening


09:45 - 10:00

Welcome speech

Speaker: LawWorks Chair TBC


10:00 - 10:30

Keynote

Speaker: TBC


10:30 - 11:30

Panel 1: LegalTech and its relationship with Access to Justice

Speakers:

  • Sophia Adams Bhatti, JUSTICE
  • Chair: Christina Blacklaws, LawTech
  • Martha de la Roche, Access to Justice Foundation 
  • Catriona Filmer, Fieldfisher
  • Josh Giddens, LexisNexis
  • Drew Winlaw, Wavelength TBC

11:30 - 11:50

Coffee break


11:50 - 12:40

Access to justice innovations: Legal tech and AI supporting the delivery of free legal advice

This session is a practical showcase demonstrating how technology and AI are being used in 3 different free legal advice settings.

  • Eleanor Scarlett, Director University of Suffolk Legal Advice Centre
  • Mary Marvel, Advicenow
  • Zahra Vasanji, Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale & Trafford

12:40 - 13:40

Lunch and Networking


13:45 - 14:45

Breakout sessions:

A) Perceived risk and conflict when taking on pro bono cases

  • Speakers TBC

B) Secondary specialisation

  • Sam Cottman, Travers Smith
  • Emma Rehal-Wilde, Baker Mckenzie
  • Chair: Ellen West, LawWorks
  • Speaker from Kids in Need of Defense TBC

C) Staff and volunteer wellbeing: stress and vicarious trauma

This session will explore issues affecting the wellbeing of staff and volunteers and how to address these, ending with an optional guided meditation session. 

  • Anna Buttimore, LawCare
  • Emma Jones, Head of Student Wellbeing at Sheffield University
  • Chair: Suzy McGarrity, LawWorks
  • Rebecca Norris, Trauma Informed Law
  • +1 TBC

Ending with an optional 5 minute guided relaxation session by Amy Clarke


14:45 - 15:10

Coffee break


15:10 - 15:30

Clinics report launch

Rebecca Howell, Head of Clinics, LawWorks


15:30 - 16:30

Panel 2:  The case for pro bono: overcoming barriers and putting in place best practices 


16:30

Reflections on the day, conference close and networking

 

Book your place on Eventbrite

 

Details

Event date

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - 09:00 to 16:30

Event Type

Location

Simmons & Simmons
1 Ropemaker Street
EC2Y 9SS London
United Kingdom
,
GB