Celebrating 25 years of pro bono

As the silver anniversary of Pro Bono Week commences, events are being hosted across the UK by law firms, chambers, law schools, and charities until 6 November. New figures released reveal that law firms recorded a remarkable 645,000 hours of pro bono work last year. Established in 2002 as a global first, Pro Bono Week aimed to celebrate and encourage legal professionals to provide free legal assistance. Over the past 25 years, the pro bono movement has notably evolved in the UK, as indicated by the growth of various pro bono schemes, the presence of over 100 pro bono professionals at law firms, and the inclusion of more than 5,000 lawyers on this year's Pro Bono Recognition List.

This week's events highlight 25 years of progress while looking towards the future under the theme "Celebrate a tradition. Inspire action. Shape the future." Notable speakers include the Attorney General for England and Wales, the Rt Hon Ellie Reeves KC MP, who is expected to deliver a keynote address. The launch, hosted by TrustLaw, brings together multiple prominent figures, including Pro Bono Week chair Toby Brown and other key pro bono practitioners.

The week also includes Young Lawyers events featuring the Solicitor General for England and Wales, Andy Slaughter KC MP, who will address early-career lawyers, inspiring reflective discussions on their roles in advancing justice through pro bono work. Events are scheduled online and in various locations including Belfast, Birmingham, and London, with further details available at probonoweek.org.uk/events.

Across the pro bono sector, several organisations are observing significant milestones. The UK Collaborative Plan for Pro Bono has announced that its member firms completed 645,453 hours of pro bono work in 2025, a modest increase of 1.29% from the previous year. Additionally, Advocate, the national pro bono charity for England and Wales, celebrates its 30th anniversary, having recorded a 35% rise in requests for help over the past year.

The Law Society of England and Wales commemorates the 10th anniversary of its Pro Bono Charter, which encourages various firms and teams to improve access to justice. The Pro Bono Recognition List has also expanded this year, now recognising 4,630 solicitors and 700 barristers amongst others. New initiatives like the Student Clinical Legal Education Recognition List have emerged, acknowledging the efforts of nearly 1,900 law students who have volunteered through clinical programmes.

Public Interest Litigation Support (PILS) in Northern Ireland is celebrating its Pro Bono Register's 15th anniversary and continues to connect lawyers with human rights activists willing to represent clients for free. The Faculty of Advocates in Scotland is unveiling an exhibition discussing the history of Scottish pro bono, while hosting a meeting for the new Scottish Pro Bono Roundtable.

As Pro Bono Week launches, the Attorney General acknowledged the legacy and continued importance of pro bono work: "For 25 years, Pro Bono Week has shown the legal profession at its very best. Pro bono can be a lifeline when an everyday problem turns into a legal crisis, and the lawyers who volunteer should be applauded for their participation." Similarly, the Law Society president expressed pride in the solicitors dedicating their time to ensure justice is attainable for all, while cautioning that pro bono support is not a replacement for a well-funded legal aid system.

Bar Council chair Kirsty Brimelow KC emphasised the essential role of barristers in pro bono work and highlighted future honouring of exceptional contributions. Ultimately, as the pro bono sector reflects on its history, the week's events aim to inspire a commitment to continuing the tradition of providing generous legal assistance to the most vulnerable members of society.