National Pro Bono Week 2020
We conclude Pro Bono Week by looking back at just some of the projects we have been working on. This week marked the 19th national Pro Bono Week which recognises and supports the voluntary contribution made by lawyers across the UK in giving free legal help to those in need.
Our pro bono work is directed towards three main areas: giving charities specialist legal advice; supporting community organisations that address access to justice and assist individuals in need; and delivering legal education projects. Using our legal skills in this way makes a tangible contribution to the UN Global Goals and we are grateful for everyone’s efforts and contributions. In a year of unprecedented challenges, pro bono legal help has never been more important. Pro Bono Week gave us an opportunity to reflect on the assistance we’ve offered over the last year. To do this we celebrate just a few ways in which colleagues have been helping non-profit organisations on pro bono projects.
Our core capability as a law firm is our legal knowledge. Pro bono is an integral part of our culture and enhances our other responsible business areas. Our pro bono work demonstrates a strong commitment to social mobility and citizenship through our relationship with our immediate communities, but it also spans the globe as we put our legal skills on the front line for our wider ecological environment and other charities making a tangible difference in the world around us. Using our legal skills to drive forward the UN’s Global Goals is one of the most valuable ways we can contribute.
The impacts from our pro bono programme particularly centre on furthering SDG16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and SDG17 - Partnerships for the Goals, as well as increasing the reach and effectiveness of the organisations we advise to make progress across the breadth of the SDGs. For example, last year we collaborated on projects positively impacting increased education and literacy, reducing plastic pollution and good health and wellbeing.
Robert Byk talks about working with the British Red Cross
As one of the partners overseeing pro bono in the firm, I am committed to ensuring that our lawyers share their professional skills with non-profit organisations. I am delighted personally to work with numerous pro bono clients including British Red Cross and Race on the Agenda.
Associate, Michael Craig, talks about the work he's done with Mind with Heart and RCJ Advice:
This week is national Pro Bono Week. Over the past year, it has been a pleasure to volunteer for RCJ Advice based within the Royal Courts of Justice, helping individuals pursue their cases, and to work with pro-bono client Mind With Heart, enabling them to achieve their mission to equip young people and educators with the tools for well-being, resilience and healthy relationships.
Simon Bartle, Senior Counsel, talks about the work he's been doing with Crisis
We celebrate national Pro Bono Week at Slaughter and May. As lawyers, we are committed to sharing our professional skills with non-profit organisations. We are delighted to assist Crisis and their Skylight centres to further their mission to end homelessness.
Jack Wharton talks about the online work we do for pro bono clients
We celebrate national Pro Bono Week at Slaughter and May. As lawyers, we are pleased to be able to host our pro bono legal webinar series to a wide charity audience on key legal topics.
Sally Wokes and Nicole Hunter have been working with the Young WOmen's Hub
To celebrate national Pro Bono Week, I am delighted to be able to use my legal skills to assist non-profit organisations working with vulnerable individuals, such as the Young Women’s Hub, that provides safe and supportive education for girls and young women.
Valerie Kemp, Associate on the pro bono work she's done with Heroes
We celebrate National Pro Bono Week at Slaughter and May. As lawyers, we are committed to sharing our professional skills with non-profit organisations. We are proud to be part of a collaborative multi-law firm effort to assist Heroes, a charity founded by NHS workers for NHS workers, to support welfare and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jade Ewers on the work she's done with the Islington Law Centre
One of the most rewarding things about being a solicitor is using my legal skills to help those in need. I am proud to work for a firm which values participation in pro bono initiatives so highly and grateful for the opportunity to make such a difference.
Sam Brady has been working with The Chancery Lane Project
As lawyers, we are committed to sharing our professional skills with non-profit organisations. We are delighted to be working with The Chancery Lane Project to develop new laws and contracts to fight climate change.