Pro Bono
If you are seeking Pro Bono assistance, CILEx has put
together a list of Pro Bono charities where you may be able to
find help.
What is Pro Bono?
The term 'pro bono' comes
from the Latin phase 'pro bono publico' which simply
translated means 'for the public good'.
Pro Bono work is legal work lawyers
undertake without receiving payment. It can take the form of giving
advice at drop in clinics, helping a charity with a piece of legal
work or agreeing to represent someone in court.
Doing Pro Bono work offers lawyers
many different benefits. Besides giving you the opportunity to give
something back to your community, you can also develop your
legal skills and knowledge in your area of work, or get
involved in new areas of work.
A Pro Bono
Protocol has been developed to quality mark Pro Bono work and
ensure lawyers give an equal level of care, attention and priority
to Pro Bono work as would apply to paid work.
What about Legal Aid?
Pro bono work is not a replacement
for a properly funded legal aid system. CILEx and the CILEx
Pro Bono Trust firmly believe that government has a
responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to good quality
legal advice and representation even if they cannot afford to pay
for it. Nevertheless there will always be some gaps and many
community and charitable organisations have limited resources which
would be better applied to their real aims rather than spent on
legal fees. Pro Bono aims to fill those gaps while continuing to
campaign for a better legal aid system.
Justice Week 2018
Building on the success of the National Pro Bono Week, Justice Week will celebrate the pro bono work of legal professionals and support, guide and encourage those who are looking to undertake pro bono work.
In 2018, Justice Week will run between Monday 29 October and Friday 2 November. The launch event will be held on Monday 29 October at 6.00pm (location and further details to be announced soon).
For more information about the week, please click on the link below.
Justice Week
Where to Find Pro Bono Help
CILEx works in partnership with and supports other Pro Bono
projects and services, however CILEx is unable to provide
or arrange any Pro Bono help directly to members of CILEx
or the general public. At present, CILEx does not maintain
insurance nor any register of volunteers for the provision of such
general services.
If you are looking for help with a problem, the best thing would be
to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or
Law Centre who will be
able to direct you to someone who can help or refer you to Pro Bono
providers such as LawWorks, the Bar Pro Bono Unit or the
Free Representation
Unit.