Save the date: UK Pro Bono Week 2024 taking place 4-8 November
Following a hugely successful Pro Bono Week 2023, this year’s event will expand on the insights and support delivered by PBW 2023.
The 23rd annual Pro Bono Week will be taking place from 4-8 November 2024, bringing together the UK legal community to collaborate and innovate – with the goal of enabling more qualified legal assistance to be provided free of charge to those who need it most.
Pro Bono Week 2023 saw over 60 events take place across the UK, involving an estimated 3,000 people participating to shine a spotlight on the UK legal sector’s rich history of – and modern commitment to – pro bono initiatives.
Events last November focused on the impact of pro bono on the lives of members of the public and highlighted how much young lawyers across the profession value pro bono within their industry.
Key takeaways from last year included the launch of the first guide to Pro Bono and Other Free Advice in Scotland, the publication by the Law Society of England and Wales of case studies showing the real life impact of pro bono by solicitors, the revelation that 49% of barristers undertook pro bono in the past year, the announcement of a new South West Chancery Litigant In Person Support Scheme and South West County Court Appeals Scheme, alongside the launch of Pro Bono Expert Support and a range of other launches and projects.
Pro bono work is legal advice or representation provided free of charge by volunteer lawyers to those who cannot pay for legal services but are not eligible for legal aid. Pro Bono Week seeks to recognise, showcase and raise awareness of the voluntary commitment of solicitors, barristers, advocates and chartered legal executives across the UK to help those in need. It also aims to encourage more legal professionals to undertake pro bono work.
In announcing the date for Pro Bono Week 2024, the organisers have signposted that in June they will reveal the themes for this year’s discussions and events, in order to assist organisers to plan their own events and communications to take place in November.
Looking ahead to Pro Bono Week 2024, Toby Brown, chair of UK Pro Bono Week commented: “It remains important that the legal community comes together for Pro Bono Week every November, putting a spotlight on legal pro bono and recognising those lawyers who generously volunteer their time. We look forward to revealing the themes for Pro Bono Week 2024 and supporting everyone to organise their own events in the coming months.”