FLSU events highlight the power of pro bono

Faculty staff member Darcey Merison, Usman Tariq KC and advocate Amelia Mah at the Great Legal Bake.

 

PRO BONO Week 2024 kicked off at the beginning of this week with simultaneous launch events in Edinburgh and London.

This 23rd annual Pro Bono Week aimed to recognise the impact of free legal assistance provided by UK lawyers to those who would otherwise be unable to access such support. The theme this year was ‘The Power of Pro Bono.’

The Keeper of the Advocates Library and the convenor of the Free Legal Services Unit (FLSU) at the Faculty of Advocates, Neil Mackenzie KC, said: “The power of pro bono is amply demonstrated by the extraordinary calendar of events across the UK. By sharing stories, collaborating, and networking, the individuals and organisations who devote so much time and effort to providing pro bono legal services can achieve even more than they could on their own.”

At the launch on Monday the Solicitor General for England and Wales, Sara Sackman KC MP, spoke of helping those who provide pro bono services build power as a coalition, and of being an advocate for pro bono services. Pro bono was, she said, “an essential component of the profession.”

The Advocate General for Scotland, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, also spoke of her willingness to support pro bono services and their coordination. She urged more lawyers to get involved, saying it would “enrich” their professional lives. Common themes that emerged from the panel discussion at the launch included how the provision of pro bono legal services reassured recipients, contributed to empowering them to speak for themselves, and assisted vulnerable people who had no other recourse to legal help.

Advocate Emma Boffey delivered an update at the Edinburgh launch event, hosted by Faculty’s Free Legal Services Unit (FLSU) in the Laigh Hall, on the pro bono services she helped deliver to a lobster farmer threatened with eviction due to a relatively minor conviction, which kept a roof over his head.

The FLSU hosted a second event in the Laigh Hall later in the week entitled “The Power of Environmental Law”. Ben Christman from the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland opened the event. He encouraged legal professionals to get involved in pro bono work in his sector, saying going to court to protect the environment was unaffordable for most people in Scotland. “The environment dies in silence; it needs advocates to speak on its behalf,” he said.

Among the other speakers at this event was advocate Shaun McPhee, recently called to the Bar, who discussed his pro bono work representing a community to protect their access to an urban park that was also a habitat and corridor for wildlife, many species. “It was a really rewarding opportunity to stand up with a local community, to represent them in court and to make sure their voice was heard,” he said.

The FLSU hosted its third Pro Bono Week event on Thursday in the Reading Room – the Great Legal Bake. This annual undertaking raises funds for charities that provide pro bono legal services. Several staff and Faculty members provided the cakes and other treats on offer in the Reading Room. Those who would like to donate can do so here.