Faculty to host two pro bono events in November

THE Faculty of Advocates Free Legal Services Unit will host two events during Pro Bono Week this year, which runs from Monday 4 November to Friday 8 November.

Both events are free to attend and are open to members of the judiciary, advocates, devils, lawyers, law students, charity organisation representatives, the wider pro bono community and anyone else with an interest in pro bono.

The first event – Pro Bono Week 2024 Launch: The Power of Pro Bono – will see Edinburgh remotely join for London's keynote speeches from the Attorney General, the Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC, and Rt Hon Lady Justice Simler DBE. Attendees will also hear from the Advocate General for Scotland, Catherine Smith KC. A panel formed of inspiring speakers will share stories that demonstrate the life-changing impact of pro bono work, among whom are barrister Samantha Hillas KC Barrister and advocate Emma Boffey. The presentation will be followed by a networking reception offering refreshments and canapes. 

This event will take place on Monday 4 November in the Laigh Hall in Parliament House from 6pm to 8pm. Registrations are being taken here.

 The second event – Pro Bono Week 2024: The Power of Environmental Law – will be held on Wednesday 6 November from 6pm to 8pm, again in the Laigh Hall.

This event will bring together an advocate and barrister who have undertaken environmental pro bono work, as well as two public interest environmental law charities, the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland and the Environmental Law Foundation. Attendees will also hear from community representatives who have benefitted from pro bono legal representation to protect their local environment.  

Confirmed speakers include Ben Christman from the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, Emma Montlake from the Environmental Law Foundation and Jessica Allen from No.5 Barrister Chambers. The discussions will be followed by a Q&A session as well as time to network over refreshments and canapes. Registrations are being taken here. 

Members of Faculty will be awarded 1 hour of Advocacy CPD for each event. Queries can be directed to deans.secretariat@advocates.org.uk