Pro bono recognition list returns

16 January 2024

The Pro Bono Recognition List celebrates lawyers providing free legal assistance to support access to justice.

The Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales has returned for 2025, with submissions opening today. Following its inaugural success in 2024, which recognised over 3,750 solicitors and barristers, the initiative has expanded eligibility to include chartered legal executives, SRA-registered foreign lawyers, and registered European lawyers. Lawyers who have completed 25 or more hours of pro bono work in the past year are invited to apply by 7th March 2024.

The Lady Chief Justice of England & Wales, Baroness Sue Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, continues as the list’s patron. She said she was pleased to see so many lawyers recognised last year and encouraged expanded participation in 2025. “I strongly encourage all solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives and registered foreign/European lawyers who have provided 25 hours or more of legal pro bono to submit their names,” she said.

Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society, said the list honours lawyers who volunteer their time to ensure access to justice. Barbara Mills KC, Bar Chair, praised barristers for stepping up amidst a challenging civil justice system, saying pro bono work “exemplifies the very best of us” but warned against systemic reliance on goodwill.

Toby Brown, Chair of the Attorney General’s Committee Steering Group, called the return of the initiative a shared goal for recognising pro bono commitment.

Yanthé Richardson, President of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), welcomed the expanded eligibility:

“The expansion of eligibility for the Pro Bono Recognition List is a significant and welcome step forward. By including Chartered Legal Executives, as well as other practitioners, the list acknowledges the vital contributions made by a broader spectrum of the legal profession and rightly recognises the parity of status and ability to deliver this advice.”

“Pro bono work is a corner stone of access to justice, and this initiative highlights the dedication of those who provide invaluable support to those in need. CILEX is proud to support this effort and celebrate the positive impact of pro bono work across our community.”

Case studies of pro bono impact

Daisy’s Dream

Shoosmiths supported Berkshire-based charity Daisy’s Dream by securing a 10-year lease for their new headquarters. Shoosmiths’ team advised on the acquisition, addressing property title, tax, and planning concerns, ensuring compliance with the Charities Act 2020. CEO Laura Lewis expressed gratitude, saying, “For a small charity, the support we have received from Shoosmiths has been massive.” The move resulted in a 150% increase in session attendance, providing a dedicated space for bereaved families and freeing resources for further outreach.

Centrepoint’s ‘Connect’ clinics

Goldman Sachs and Herbert Smith Freehills partnered with Centrepoint to provide virtual legal advice to homeless young people. Through Zoom clinics, volunteer lawyers addressed issues affecting Centrepoint’s users, helping break cycles of homelessness. Volunteers experienced the impact firsthand, with many finding the work deeply fulfilling.

Justice for a domestic abuse survivor

Jake Rudman of Hatton Chambers was recognised for dedicating over 300 pro bono hours defending a domestic abuse survivor. He successfully struck out baseless harassment and defamation claims filed by her ex-husband, saving her from potential damages of £60,000. Rudman’s work also secured indemnity costs and highlighted the transformative power of committed pro bono advocacy.

Supported by leading legal organisations, including the Law Society, Bar Council, CILEX, and Advocate, the Pro Bono Recognition List underscores the legal profession’s dedication to making a meaningful difference.

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ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Kerry Jack, Black Letter Communications on 07525 756 599 or email at [email protected]

Notes to editors:

CILEX (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) is one of the three main professional bodies covering the legal profession in England and Wales. The approximately 18,000 -strong membership is made up of CILEX Lawyers, Chartered Legal Executives, paralegals and other legal professionals.

CILEX pioneered the non-university route into law and recently launched the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ), a new approach to on-the-job training that marries legal knowledge with the practical skills, behaviours and commercial awareness needed by lawyers in the 2020s.

The CPQ is a progressive qualification framework that creates a workforce of specialist legal professionals, providing a career ladder from Paralegal through to Advanced Paralegal and ultimately full qualification as a CILEX Lawyer. CILEX Lawyers can become partners in law firms, coroners, judges or advocates in open court.

CILEX members come from more diverse backgrounds than other parts of the legal profession:

• 77% of its lawyers are women
• 16% are from ethnic minority backgrounds
  • 8% are Asian or Asian British
  • 5% are Black or Black British
  • 3% are from a mixed ethnic background
• 85% attended state schools
• 33% are the first generation in their family to attend university
• Only 3% of its members have a parent who is a lawyer.
• 85% attended state schools
• 33% are the first generation in their family to attend university
• Only 3% of its members have a parent who is a lawyer.

CILEX members are regulated through an independent body, CILEx Regulation. It is the only regulator covering paralegals.