Advocate celebrates growth and new leadership

Advocate, the Bar's national pro bono charity, is celebrating three decades of championing access to justice in England and Wales. Today, the organisation stands as a beacon for those seeking legal help, having evolved significantly from its humble beginnings in 1996, when it started with just 350 volunteer barristers and one part-time administrator. Fast forward to now, and Advocate boasts a robust panel of over 5,000 volunteer barristers alongside a dedicated team of caseworkers covering all circuits across England and Wales. The charity's contribution to the legal landscape has also been recognised by the Pro Bono Recognition List, which has seen a remarkable 47% increase in registered barristers since its inception in 2024.

This growth mirrors an increasing need for pro bono services, particularly in housing and employment law. Since 2021, the number of applications for assistance in housing law has surged by 21%, while applications related to employment law have skyrocketed by 48%. Multiple factors—including the ongoing decline in legal aid, court backlogs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the escalating cost-of-living crisis—have left many without access to affordable legal support.

In response to these challenges, Advocate has unveiled "The Next Chapter," a strategic plan detailing its objectives for the period of 2026 to 2029. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance the journey of individuals through the legal system, engage more barristers in pro bono efforts, and cultivate a resilient organisation prepared for future demands. The development of this strategy involved extensive research, including insights from staff, casework data, and discussions with partners such as the Bar Council and LawWorks.

At the forefront of implementing this new strategy is Christopher Stacey, Advocate’s new chief executive. Christopher succeeds Rebecca Wilkie, who served as chief executive for 12 years in two distinct terms. He arrives with significant experience, having previously led Prisoners Abroad and held senior roles at both Clinks and Unlock, organisations focused on criminal justice and social inclusion. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment as Advocate strives to increase support for individuals in need of free legal assistance.

In reflecting on the importance of this milestone, Christopher Stacey remarked that "Advocate's 30th anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate three decades of achievement, but also to look ahead. Demand for help continues to grow, while too many people still struggle to access legal support when they need it most. Our new strategy, The Next Chapter, sets out a vision for how Advocate can respond to that challenge: supporting more applicants, engaging more barristers in pro bono work, and building an organisation ready for the future."

To honour its anniversary, Advocate has also published a brochure titled "Advocate and the Bar: celebrating 30 years of access to justice." This document details the charity’s evolution from its founding to the present day and encapsulates reflections from members of the Bar and the judiciary. The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, acknowledged this significant achievement by stating that “as Advocate celebrates 30 years of service, the judiciary recognises the vital contribution that the Bar has made to access to justice through its pro bono work. It is a huge credit to practitioners that, over three decades, they have given up their time freely to support the most vulnerable members of society in need of Advocate’s services.”

As Advocate enters its next chapter, it stands committed to not only meeting the escalating demands for legal aid but also ensuring that access to justice remains a priority for all in England and Wales.