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Press Release: Winners of the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2023 announced

peterjackson — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:05:00 +0000

LawWorks is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards, kindly sponsored by LexisNexis, and supported by the Law Society of England and Wales.

-For immediate release-

Held on the 5th December at the Law Society, the event hosted by the journalist and presenter Samira Ahmed, and the awards were presented by Richard Atkinson, Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales.

The Awards recognise and celebrate the pro bono commitment of LawWorks members, their charity and corporate partners, and the work of independent clinics in the LawWorks clinics network.

Winners were chosen in ten categories, each representing the breadth and range of pro bono across England and Wales and internationally – by individuals, firms, in-house teams, law schools and law students, supported by charities, advice agencies, law centres and many non-legal volunteers.

The awards are kindly sponsored by LexisNexis and supported by the Law Society of England and Wales.

Commenting on the awards winners, Rebecca Wilkinson, the Chief Executive of LawWorks, said:

"A huge congratulations to the winners and all those who were shortlisted – all deserve recognition and celebration of the difference they make in enabling access to justice.

There is a reason the LawWorks Annual Awards are the highlight of our year; hearing the impact pro bono work makes on people’s lives continues to reaffirm our commitment to developing and supporting solicitors pro bono work within the access to justice ecosystem. We are so proud of the work of our member organisations, and the individual solicitors within them, who give up their time to help others."

The winners of the 2023 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards are:

Best Contribution by a Small or Medium Firm: Pallas Partners LLP
Best Contribution by a Large Firm: Reed Smith LLP
Best Contribution by an In-house Team or Solicitor: The Financial Conduct Authority Pro Bono Group, Financial Conduct Authority
Best Contribution by a Junior Lawyer: Alessandro Angelico, Covington & Burling
Best Contribution by an Individual: Naga Kandiah, MTC Solicitors
The LawWorks Cymru Award: University of South Wales Legal Advice Clinic, University of South Wales
Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic: Kent Law Clinic, University of Kent
Best International Pro Bono Award in partnership with A4ID: Rule 39 Pro Bono Initiative
Best New Pro Bono Activity: Islamophobia Response Unit
Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership: Green Tech Legal Collaborative

The judging panel for the 2023 Pro Bono awards were:

Richard Atkinson, Vice President of The Law Society of England and Wales
Yasmin Batliwala, Chief Executive of Advocates for International Development
Julie Bishop, Director of the Law Centres Network
Chris Minnoch, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group
Professor Richard Owen, Chair of the Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee
Paul Rogerson, Editor of the Law Society Gazette
Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive of Advocate

You can find out more about all those shortlisted and the winners in the 2023 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards programme.

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity that promotes, supports and facilitates pro bono legal services that extend access to the law for individuals and communities in need and the organisations that assist them. LawWorks supports a network of over 300 independent pro bono clinics across England and Wales, and facilitates free legal advice for smaller charities and social enterprises through its Not-For-Profits Programme. LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
A4ID is a global charity that works in partnership with the world’s leading law firms, providing access to the best legal advice for those engaged in the fight against global poverty, and contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the new “Best International Pro Bono Award” special attention is given to pro bono projects that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. www.a4id.org
LawWorks are extremely grateful for the sponsorship of the awards by LexisNexis Legal & Professional. At LexisNexis, our mission is to progress the Rule of Law around the world. Everything we do is about making the law easily accessible and simple to understand. To achieve this, we empower and enable legal, compliance and tax professionals with access to the very best in legal intelligence – wherever they are working. Our feature-rich solutions provide access to advanced research, data-driven insights, practical guidance and enhanced legal tools, all in one easy-to-use legal solution, Lexis+.
DARA partners include: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld; DLA Piper UK; Debevoise & Plimpton; Eversheds Sutherland (International); Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Hogan Lovells International; Latham & Watkins; Reed Smith; Slaughter and May; and Travers Smith.
KIND UK partners include: Allen & Overy LLP; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP; Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP; Bank of America; Baker McKenzie LLP; Clyde & Co LLP; Cooley (UK) LLP; Covington & Burling LLP; Dechert LLP; Dentons UK and Middle East LLP; DLA piper (UK) LLP; Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP; Fieldfisher LLP; Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; GSK; Gowling WLG (UK) LLP; Hogan Lovells (International) LLP; K&L Gates LLP; Mayer Brown (International) LLP; Microsoft, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP; Pinsent Masons LLP; PRS for Music and VMware, Reed Smith LLP; Ropes & Gray LLP; Shearman & Sterling LLP; Sidley Austin LLP; Simmons & Simmons LLP;Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP; and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP.
Rule 39 Pro Bono Initiative partners include: CILD and Orrick, Freshfields, DLA Piper, Linklaters, Herbert Smith Freehills, Osborne Clarke, Reed Smith and Eversheds Sutherland
Green Tech Legal Collaborative partners include: Imperial College London, Bloomberg L.P., Ropes & Gray, Willkie Farr and Gallagher, Ashurst, Mayer Brown, Travers Smith, Shearman and Sterling, Venner Shipley.

Contact: Peter Jackson: peter.jackson@lawworks.org.uk

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Press Release: Student Pro Bono Awards shortlist announced

james.sandbach@lawworks.org.uk — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:20:00 +0000

LawWorks is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2018 LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards.

The Awards ceremony, sponsored by Lexis Nexis, will be held on Wednesday 25th April at the House of Commons. The Attorney General, The Rt Hon Jeremy Wright QC MP, will be presenting the Awards and the ceremony will be hosted by His Honour Sir Robin Knowles CBE.

The awards celebrate the best pro bono activities undertaken by law students and law schools.

The awards incorporate the Access to Justice Foundation award for an educational body or student which has made a significant contribution to promoting access to justice.

The winners of the LawWorks and Bar Pro Bono Unit Law School Challenge 2017 – 2018 (which is a fundraising initiative for both charities) will also be presented with an award at the event.

The Attorney General, The Rt Hon Jeremy Wright QC MP said:

“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the work of students who help increase access to justice in their communities. Early experience of pro bono can instil a passion and commitment that can last a whole career. Pro bono not only has a practical and beneficial impact on people’s lives; it has a positive effect on our legal system as well.”

James Harper, Exec Sponsor for Rule of Law and CSR at LexisNexis said:

“As we mark 200 years since LexisNexis was established – it is with great pleasure that we also celebrate the 10th year of supporting the Student Pro Bono Awards.”

Alasdair Douglas, Chair of LawWorks said:

“The Student Awards recognise the incredible commitment and contribution of the many students and law schools providing pro bono legal advice. As well as making a valuable contribution to local communities, pro bono volunteering can bring many benefits and opportunities for students, including personal development and gaining legal knowledge and skills. Well done all those shortlisted – we look forward to seeing you at the Awards ceremony on 25th April.”

The shortlisted nominees are:

Best Contribution by a Law School

Birmingham Law School - University of Birmingham
Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice - Sheffield Hallam University
Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law - Swansea University
Nottingham Law School - Nottingham Trent University
Plymouth University Law Clinic - Plymouth University
Ulster University Law Clinic - Ulster University
Queen Mary University of London, School of Law

Best Contribution by an Individual Student

Andrea Garvey - Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law - Swansea University
Samantha Maher - Manchester Metropolitan University
Niki Mehta - BPP Law School
Maddison Redgwell - University of Westminster
Catherine Ruta - University of Birmingham
Rebecca Smith - University of Greenwich
Georgia Steaton – London South Bank University

Best Contribution by a Team of Students

Birmingham Free Legal Advice Group Coordinators - University of Birmingham
Legal Advocacy Support Project Team - Manchester Metropolitan University & Greater Manchester Law Centre
Student Advice Team – London South Bank University legal advice clinic
University of Exeter Access to Justice Clinic - University of Exeter Law School
Employment Team project – The University of Manchester, Legal Advice Centre

Best New Pro Bono Activity

Autism Law Service - Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre, Nottingham Trent University
BPP Enterprise Legal Advice Clinic - BPP University
Children's Social Care and SEND Clinic - University of Liverpool Law Clinic
Liverpool Law Clinic Family Court Project - University of Liverpool
The BPP Law Ambassadors Programme - BPP Pro Bono Centre
The Family Justice Project - Northumbria Law School, Northumbria University
The Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre - The University of Manchester

Access to Justice Foundation Award

Edinburgh University Free Legal Advice Centre
Plymouth Law Clinic

The judges for the 2018 Awards are:

Christina Blacklaws, Vice-president of the Law Society
Josh Richman, Senior editor, LawCareers.Net
James Harper, Executive Sponsor, Rule of Law and CSR for LexisNexis UK & Ireland
Alison Padfield QC, Co-Chair of the Bar Council Pro Bono Panel
Peter Farr, Trustee of CILEx Pro Bono Trust

LawWorks would like to congratulate all the shortlisted nominees and everyone who submitted nominations. LawWorks would also like to thank the judges for their hard work in drawing up the shortlist from a very impressive list of nominations, and Lexis Nexis for their sponsorship of the Awards

For further information on the Student Pro Bono Awards, please visit: https://www.lawworks.org.uk/solicitors-and-volunteers/get-involved/lawworks-attorney-generals-student-pro-bono-awards-2017

--Ends--

Notes to editors:

LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity working in England and Wales to connect volunteer lawyers and law students with people in need of legal advice, who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay, and with the not for profit organisations that support them and their communities. LawWorks supports a network of independent pro bono advice clinics across England and Wales, and facilitates the provision of free legal advice for smaller charities and not-for-profit organisations. For further information about LawWorks visit: https://www.lawworks.org.uk/
LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
LawWorks are extremely grateful for the sponsorship of the awards by LexisNexis Legal & Professional. LexisNexis Legal & Professional is a leading global provider of legal, regulatory and business information and analytics that help customers increase productivity, improve decision-making and outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 130 countries with 10,000 employees worldwide, is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries.
For further information about the Awards contact James Sandbach, Director of Policy and External Affairs, james.sandbach@lawworks.org.uk 0207-092-3943
Join the student pro bono conversation on social media #studentprobonostar #StudentAwards2018

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Press Release: Winners of the 2025 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards announced

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:17:00 +0000

LawWorks is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards, kindly sponsored by LexisNexis and supported by the Law Society of England and Wales.

Held on Wednesday 3rd December at the Law Society, the event was hosted by Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor of The Sunday Times, and the awards were presented by Ian Jeffery, Chief Executive of the Law Society of England and Wales

The Awards recognise and celebrate the pro bono commitment of LawWorks members, their charity and corporate partners, and the work of independent clinics in the LawWorks Clinics Network.

Winners were chosen across thirteen categories, reflecting the breadth and range of pro bono activity in England and Wales, internationally and through LawWorks’ own pro bono programmes. Individuals, law firms, in house teams, law schools, students, charities, advice agencies, law centres and many non legal volunteers were represented in this year’s shortlist and award recipients.

Commenting on the awards winners, Rebecca Wilkinson, the Chief Executive of LawWorks, said:

“The LawWorks Pro Bono Awards are always a highlight of our year, a chance to recognise the people whose generosity and skill make such a difference. The stories we heard tonight capture the very best of our profession, people offering their time with compassion and determination so that others are not left to face legal challenges alone. Pro bono changes lives in quiet but powerful ways, made possible by the volunteers, partners and organisations who choose to step forward. We are incredibly proud of everyone recognised this evening, and deeply grateful to all those who make this work possible. Their commitment is a reminder of why access to justice matters, and why we must keep championing and strengthening the pro bono community across England and Wales."

The winners of the 2025 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards are:

Best Contribution by a Small or Medium Firm: Hodge Jones & Allen
Best Contribution by a Large Firm: Eversheds Sutherland (International)
The Jonathan Goldsmith Award for Best Contribution by an In-house Team or an In-house Solicitor: BPP Social Impact Team, BPP Education Group
Best Contribution by a Junior Lawyer: Caolán Duffy, Covington & Burling
The Stephen Denyer Award for Best Contribution by an Individual: Naga Kandiah, MTC Solicitors
Best Pro Bono Contribution in Wales: Bangor University Legal Advice Clinic
Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic: King's Legal Clinic
Best International Pro Bono Award - in partnership with A4ID: UN Human Rights Committee Rulings on Reproductive Rights, Debevoise & Plimpton
Best New Pro Bono Activity: eVisa Guide and Support Sessions Project: Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, Clyde & Co, Dechert, Linklaters and Squire Patton Boggs
Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership: The Young People's Life Café and Farrer & Co
Best Contribution to LawWorks Not-For-Profits Programme: Covington & Burling
Best Contribution to LawWorks Secondary Specialisation Programme: Pallas Partners
The Pro Bono Connect Award – sponsored by One Essex Court: Mayer Brown and Matthew Parfitt of Erskine Chambers

LawWorks is incredibly grateful to this year’s judging panel, which includes:

Clare Carter, Chief Executive of The Access to Justice Foundation
Mark Evans, President of The Law Society of England and Wales
Josh Giddens, Director of Practical Guidance, LexisNexis UK & Ireland
Chris Minnoch, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group
Professor Richard Owen, Chair of the Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee
Paul Rogerson, Editor of the Law Society Gazette
Yasmin Batliwala, Chief Executive of A4ID
Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive of Advocate

You can find out more about all those shortlisted and our winners in the 2025 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards programme.

Photographs of the event are available on request.

Shivani Clancy, Communications Officer: shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk

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Press Release: LawWorks announces shortlist for the 2025 Pro Bono Awards

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:49:00 +0000

LawWorks is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2025 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards.

The Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement in legal pro bono by organisations and individuals across England and Wales. They highlight the extraordinary commitment of the legal sector to widening access to justice, and the creativity and collaboration that make pro bono work such a vital part of our shared professional culture.

This year’s finalists reflect the breadth and impact of pro bono in action, from law firms and in-house teams supporting national charities and community organisations, to volunteers at pro bono clinics providing free legal advice to those who would otherwise go without. Their work exemplifies how the law can be a force for fairness, opportunity, and social good.

The winners will be announced at an event at the Law Society of England and Wales, Chancery Lane, London, on Wednesday 3 December. Hosted by hosted by the media editor of The Sunday Times, Rosamund Urwin, the evening will bring together practitioners, partners, and supporters from across the profession to celebrate another remarkable year of commitment and collaboration.

On the announcement of this year’s shortlist, Rebecca Wilkinson, Chief Executive of LawWorks, said:

Congratulations to everyone who’s been shortlisted for this year’s Awards. It’s always such a privilege to see the incredible pro bono work taking place across the profession and the difference it makes to people’s lives. Every nomination tells a story of dedication, collaboration and compassion, and together they show how powerful pro bono can be in creating real change.

These Awards are an important moment to recognise that work, to thank the lawyers, firms and organisations who go above and beyond, and to remind ourselves why access to justice matters. Thank you to our judges for the tough job of choosing the shortlist, and to everyone who took the time to nominate. I’m really looking forward to celebrating with you all on December 3rd.

The shortlisted nominees for 2025 are:

Best Contribution by a Small or Medium Firm

Covington & Burling
Hodge Jones & Allen
Milbank
Pallas Partners

Best Contribution by a Large Firm

A&O Shearman
Brabners
Eversheds Sutherland (International)
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Travers Smith

Best Contribution by an In-house Team or an In-house Solicitor

BPP Social Impact Team, BPP Education Group
In-house legal team, nGAGE Talent Group
The University of Law Pro Bono team
Legal, Ethics and Compliance Team (Europe), Visa

Best Contribution by a Junior Lawyer

Hleb Buziuk, FairGo CIC
Caolán Duffy, Covington & Burling
Catrin Norton, Hogan Lovells International
Nick O’Neal-Kenny, Linklaters
Nik Sharma, Dechert
Jessica Tucker, Pallas Partners

The Stephen Denyer Pro Bono Award (Best Contribution by an Individual

Naga Kandiah, MTC Solicitors
Ben Kerawala, Reed Smith
Emily Lim, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Hannah O'Malley, Linklaters
Hannah Owen, Charles Russell Speechlys

Best Pro Bono Contribution in Wales

Bangor University Legal Advice Clinic
Cardiff Law School Pro Bono Unit

Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic

Employment Legal Advice Service, The Growth Company
Family Law Group
King's College Legal Clinic
Legal Advice Centre, University of East London
Refugee Rights Hub, Sheffield Hallam University

Best International Pro Bono Award - in partnership with A4ID

Legal Response International and Ashurst
AsyLex - Rights in Exile Platform and Covington & Burling
UN Human Rights Committee Rulings on Reproductive Rights, Debevoise & Plimpton
Pallas Partners
Travers Smith

Best New Pro Bono Activity

Ashurst and APPEAL Case Enquiries
Bangor University Legal Advice Clinic
eVisa Guide and Support Sessions Project: Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, Clyde & Co, Dechert, Linklaters and Squire Patton Boggs
Roundhouse Trust and Taylor Wessing
Sheffield Digital Justice, University of Sheffield
University of Southampton Legal Clinic

Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership

Kennedys and Bright Tide
Cardiff University Law Clinic & Support Through Court Partnership
School Exclusion Project, Coram Children's Legal Centre and A&O Shearman
The Chancery Lane Project and Ashurst
The Windrush Legal Initiative
The Young People's Life Café and Farrer & Co

Best Contribution to LawWorks Not-For-Profits Programme

Covington & Burling
HFW

Best Contribution to LawWorks Secondary Specialisation Programme

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
Pallas Partners

The Pro Bono Connect Award

Commercial Dispute Resolution Client Team, Charles Russell Speechlys
HFW
Mayer Brown
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius

A special thank you to our panel of judges for their time and expertise in reviewing an exceptional range of nominations. Their thoughtful consideration helps ensure the Awards continue to recognise and celebrate the very best of pro bono across the profession:

Clare Carter, Chief Executive of The Access to Justice Foundation
Mark Evans, President of The Law Society of England and Wales
Josh Giddens, Director of Practical Guidance, LexisNexis UK & Ireland
Chris Minnoch, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group
Professor Richard Owen, Chair of the Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee
Paul Rogerson, Editor of the Law Society Gazette
Yasmin Batliwala, Chief Executive of A4ID
Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive of Advocate

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Domestic Abuse Response Alliance reaches 300 cases

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:53:00 +0000

LawWorks is proud to announce that the multi-award-winning Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA), founded by Travers Smith and supported by LawWorks since its inception, has placed its 300th case.

DARA’s network continues to grow. When founded by Travers Smith Partner and Head of Pro Bono, Sam Cottman, in 2022, it began as an alliance of seven firms. With the recent addition of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, it now comprises 11 firms, with its reach extending beyond London into cities across England. As well as providing court advocacy and legal support, DARA has trained over 350 lawyers on how best to represent survivors of domestic abuse in a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive manner.

DARA operates collaboratively with LawWorks, Beck Fitzgerald, the The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) and FLOWS | Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors.

This milestone comes at a time of growing demand for family and domestic abuse-related legal advice across England and Wales. The latest LawWorks Clinics Network Report found that family law now accounts for 37% of all cases across our clinics, a 7.3% increase from 2023. Many clients are presenting in crisis and with multiple, interrelated legal issues, reflecting the urgent need for coordinated pro bono support. DARA’s impact demonstrates what is possible when firms and charities work together to meet that need.

Rebecca Wilkinson, Chief Executive of LawWorks says:

Reaching the 300th case is an incredible milestone for DARA and a testament to the dedication of all those involved. At a time of rising demand for family law support, this Alliance shows what collaboration across the legal sector can achieve in helping survivors access justice and rebuild their lives.

Sam Cottman, Head of Pro Bono and founder of DARA comments:

A few years ago, DARA was just an idea. To have reached 300 cases and have 11 amazing law firms representing these clients up and down the country is a very significant milestone on our journey. We are living through an unprecedented surge in violence and aggression in domestic relationships, particularly against young women. This is fuelled by a toxic online culture and new forms of digital abuse like message monitoring, social media stalking, and non-consensual image sharing. For many of these clients, DARA’s pro bono support, and that of other organisations in this sector, is not just help - it’s their only lifeline. We are proud to be able to support them and determined to continue to stand up against domestic abuse.

Jenny Beck KC says:

Protection from domestic abuse should be everybody’s right, yet restrictions on legal aid have left huge numbers of victim survivors at real risk. DARA provides a vital service. Clients can secure support and legal representation to apply for protection orders that would otherwise be unaffordable. The DARA team showcases how effective collaboration can make a real difference to people’s lives.

The DARA law firms are:

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Gibson Dunn, Latham & Watkins, Debevoise & Plimpton, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Reed Smith LLP, DLA Piper, Slaughter and May, Eversheds Sutherland, Hogan Lovells, and Travers Smith.

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Press Release: LawWorks announces appointment of Lord Goldsmith KC as incoming Chair

shivani.clancy@lawworks.org.uk — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:13:00 +0000

London, 21 July 2025 | The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith KC, former UK Attorney General and a prominent figure in legal services, will be appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees at legal pro bono charity LawWorks with effect 1 September 2025.

Lord (Peter) Goldsmith KC is London Co-Managing Partner and Chair of European and Asian Litigation at Debevoise & Plimpton. A King’s Counsel, he continues to appear in court in the UK and internationally and has led cases in several jurisdictions. He has served on arbitration panels under institutions including the LCIA, ICC, and SIAC.

He brings with him a lifelong commitment to pro bono. Early in his career, he helped establish a legal advice centre in London’s East End. He later founded the Bar Pro Bono Unit (now Advocate) and chaired the cross-profession Access to Justice Foundation, as well as initiating the Attorney General’s pro bono committees. He remains an active pro bono advocate: past work includes representing 300,000 displaced Nigerian citizens before the African Commission on Human Rights and appearing in the Supreme Court of Belize in a constitutional challenge to anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Founded in 1997, LawWorks is a national charity and membership organisation working with law firms, law students, and in-house legal teams to support access to justice through pro bono. Lord Goldsmith KC will succeed Alasdair Douglas, who has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2016. Over this period, LawWorks has expanded its clinic network from 200 to over 300 and increased the number of volunteers from 4,500 to over 13,000 in 2024. In 2024, LawWorks brokered over 800 legal matters for 270 small charities and not-for-profit organisations, and annual enquiries to clinics now exceed 90,000.

Rebecca Wilkinson, Chief Executive of LawWorks, said:

We are very pleased to welcome Lord Goldsmith to the Board. He brings a wealth of strategic experience and an outstanding track record in supporting pro bono. His commitment to access to justice and his understanding of the complexities of the legal sector will be invaluable. I also want to thank Alasdair Douglas for his exceptional stewardship of the charity and his unfailing support of our staff, volunteers, and partners.

Lord Goldsmith KC said:

It’s an honour to take on the role of Chair at LawWorks, which plays such an important part in promoting and enabling pro bono. I look forward to working with the team to continue building on its impact and reach and would also like to pay tribute to Alasdair Douglas for his leadership over the past nine years.

Alasdair Douglas said:

Chairing the Board at LawWorks has been both a joy and a privilege. I’ve met countless inspiring volunteers, especially law students who give up their time to support people who would otherwise face legal problems alone. The need for pro bono support has increased as access to legal aid has declined, and the charity has responded with ambition, care, and creativity. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and thrilled that Lord Goldsmith will be taking on the role.

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Press Release: Winners of the LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards 2025 announced

peterjackson — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:52:00 +0000

LawWorks is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards, kindly sponsored by LexisNexis UK.

- For immediate release -

LawWorks is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards, kindly sponsored by LexisNexis UK.

Supported by the Attorney General, the Rt Hon. Lord Hermer KC, the awards celebrate the best pro bono activities undertaken by law students and law schools across the UK. The awards were presented at a ceremony held in the House of Lords on Wednesday 23rd April.

The Attorney General, the Rt Hon. Lord Hermer KC said:

“I am a proud champion of pro bono work which provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the wider community and engage with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Congratulations to all the nominees who have made a significant contribution, and I would encourage all of you to continue being ambassadors for pro bono work as you embark on your legal careers.

I would also like to thank LawWorks and the panel of judges for their continued efforts to shine a light on pro bono work which is fundamental in upholding the rule of law and promoting access to justice.”

Alasdair Douglas, Chair of LawWorks said:

“LawWorks received an impressive number of nominations for the Awards, underscoring the incredible work done by law schools, teachers and students across the UK. The nominations are, of course, just the tip of the enormous iceberg of pro bono legal advice given by students - there are some 300 plus law clinics up and down England and Wales which are supported by LawWorks and around half are run by universities and law schools. All those nominated or shortlisted deserve recognition and appreciation for their work, not just by our annual awards, but by society at large, as does everyone involved in pro bono.

We were delighted to be able to hold the Awards event in the Houses of Parliament with its ancient links to the creation of the rule of law, access to justice for all being one of its central tenets and we are grateful for the Attorney General’s support. I would like to extend my thanks to our judges, who had the daunting but fulfilling task of selecting the winners. Congratulations to all this year’s winners of the LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards”

James Harper, Exec Sponsor for Rule of Law at LexisNexis UK said:

“LexisNexis is deeply honoured to support the Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards from LawWorks, which shines a light on the extraordinary dedication of students and faculty members who tirelessly work to ensure justice is accessible to all. The rule of law is not just a principle but the very heartbeat of LexisNexis, driving our mission to create a fairer world through our innovative tools, products, and endeavours. Pro bono is a lifeline for those who might otherwise be left behind, ensuring that everyone can access their legal rights and remedies. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the nominees for their inspiring efforts and our warmest congratulations to the winners for their exceptional contributions.”

The winners are:

Best New Pro Bono Activity: Windrush Community Law Clinic, Liverpool John Moores University

The Windrush Community Law Clinic in collaboration with Liverpool Advocates for Windrush launched in July 2024, led by local lawyers Tonika Stephenson and Martyn Rodmell, with Rachel Stalker of Liverpool John Moores University supervising both volunteers and students.

The clinic provides two-fold support to people eligible for the Windrush Compensation Scheme (WCS), of which there are suspected to be around 1,200 in the Merseyside area. The first aspect involves casework support to apply to the WCS and/or signposting for other immigration law advice. The second aspect involves the creation of a user-friendly web-app allowing members of the public to check their eligibility for the WCS. Both aspects of the project are supported by 15 students from Liverpool John Moores University.

To date, the project has provided casework support to 32 individuals and has reached the pilot and feedback stage of the app design, as well as promoting the availability of the WCS through events and regular media appearances.

Emma Ritch Law Clinic at the University of Glasgow School of Law and the University of Hertfordshire Parole Clinic were highly commended by the judges.

Best Contribution by an Individual: Maddy Nicholl, University of Southampton

Maddy, a second-year Law student and current Co-Vice President of University of Southampton Law Clinic’s Student Committee has been instrumental in developing pro bono initiatives at the university. Maddy played a vital role in encouraging students to join the Clinic when it launched in early 2024 and in the 2024-25 academic year Maddy has helped to recruit 150 students. Most recently, Maddy has supported the Clinic Director in launching two ambitious projects offering a court form filling service and a McKenzie friend service to litigants in person. In addition to providing legal assistance to clients through her work in the Clinic and supervised support on LawWorks’ Free Legal Answers website, Maddy also supports several other pro bono initiatives in the community. These include supporting Lawyers Against Poverty by preparing documents designed to empower communities and delivering workshops to women’s rights charities; being a student member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Pro Bono Committee, volunteering with the Environmental Law Foundation, and supporting local business with their CSR objectives.

Eli Goldsobel, City Law School, City, St George's University of London and Julius Balchin, BPP University were highly commended by the judges.

Best Contribution by a Law School: Glasgow Open Justice Centre, University of Glasgow School of Law

The mission of Glasgow Open Justice Centre (GO Justice) is to empower communities and individuals to use the law to access justice and achieve social and economic inclusion. Since 2023, GO Justice has significantly expanded their pro bono outreach and currently has 140 students engaged in 14 different projects. Their work includes a programme of Community Legal Education for homeless service users in partnership with the Marie Trust charity. In evaluation feedback, 100% of learners reported feeling more knowledgeable about the law because of the programme.

A recently launched Lawyering for Social Change Clinic involves students working under staff supervision to tackle racial injustice. The Emma Ritch Law Clinic, the first of its kind in the UK, provides independent legal advice and representation in sexual violence cases supporting more than 30 individual clients and advocacy workers in relation to often complex issues of criminal evidence and procedure. Students overwhelmingly report the value of their experiential learning through the pro bono activities.

Hallam Legal Advice Centre and Justice Hubs at Sheffield Hallam and The University of Law Pro Bono Team, The University of Law were highly commended by the judges.

Best contribution by a Team of Students: School Tasking Student Team, Warwick Law School

School Tasking is an outreach project, created at Warwick Law School, in which law students introduce school children, aged nine to ten from less advantaged backgrounds to the law through fun and interactive tasks. The project uses the format of the hit Channel 4 television show, Taskmaster, to teach pupils a little bit about law, to build positive connections with university more broadly, and to encourage them to be enthusiastic about their learning.

School Tasking aims to introduce elements of law that are particularly interesting, but that also encourage the advancement of core skills, such as creativity, lateral thinking, reasoning, problem-solving and teamwork.

A twenty-eight strong team of law student volunteers at Warwick Law School, ten of whom are now in their third year of being on the project team, ran the project this year. They lead fortnightly sessions across a two-month period at six participating primary schools.

Employment Law Clinic, University of Plymouth were highly commended by the judges.

The judges for the 2025 Awards were:

I. Stephanie Boyce, former President of The Law Society of England and Wales (2021-2022)
Marina Faggionato, Joint Chair of the Bar Council Pro Bono & Social Responsibility Committee
Peter Farr, Head of Civil Law Policy, Ministry of Justice
James Harper, Executive Sponsor, Rule of Law and CSR for LexisNexis UK & Ireland
Deborah Smith, Executive Director and Senior Counsel, Goldman Sachs and LawWorks Trustee
Victoria Speed, formerly Director of Trust for London’s Employment Legal Advice Network & Director of Pro Bono at BPP Law School

De Montford University Law School was announced as the winner of the Law School Challenge, a fundraising initiative to raise funds for LawWorks and Advocate. The Birmingham City University were runners up, and Swansea University placed third.

Further information on the Student Pro Bono Awards is available through the awards programme, or visit: lawworks.org.uk/student-awards.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity working in England and Wales to connect volunteer lawyers and law students with people in need of legal advice, who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay, and with the not for profit organisations that support them and their communities. LawWorks supports a network of independent pro bono advice clinics across England and Wales, and facilitates the provision of free legal advice for smaller charities and not-for-profit organisations. For further information about LawWorks visit: https:/lawworks.org.uk
LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
LawWorks are extremely grateful for the sponsorship of the awards by LexisNexis Legal & Professional. LexisNexis' central mission is to progress the Rule of Law around the world - bringing as many people as possible within its protection. To achieve this, LexisNexis empower and enable legal, compliance and tax professionals with access to the very best in legal and business intelligence.  LexisNexis holds one of the largest and most up-to-date collections of legal, tax and compliance content in the world. All of their products are fuelled by the latest technologies. From powerful search technology to cutting-edge AI, their tools are specifically built to help legal professionals to reach better answers faster and more efficiently.  Lexis+ AI will let you add more value at speed with conversational search, drafting, summarisation, and document upload tools.
For further information about the Awards contact Peter Jackson, Communications Officer, peter.jackson@lawworks.org.uk, 07961 522042

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Press Release: Shortlist for the LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards 2025 revealed

peterjackson — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:32:00 +0000

LawWorks is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2025 LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards, kindly sponsored by LexisNexis.

For immediate release: Wednesday 26th March

The LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono awards celebrate the best pro bono activities undertaken by law students and law schools from across the UK.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the House of Lords on Wednesday 23rd April with the Attorney General, The Rt Hon. Lord Hermer KC.

Alasdair Douglas, Chair of LawWorks said:

“It has been 20 years since LawWorks began celebrating the significant contribution made by students and law schools from across the UK. It was humbling to read the nominations setting out what you have been doing over the last year. Doing pro bono work, in addition to studying, some of you having to work at the same time to make ends meet and fitting in a social life tells me that we have some very special people studying law. You all deserve wider recognition and praise for enabling those without means to have access to justice.

I would like to thank the judges for their time - choosing from so many excellent and innovative nominations is a challenging and time-consuming task and I know how conscientious the judges always are. Thank you also to the Attorney General for once again supporting the Awards.

Above all, thank you to everyone nominated and shortlisted and to their teachers and legal supervisors for your dedication to helping those in need of legal support. Society owes you a great deal.”

James Harper, Executive Sponsor for Rule of Law and CSR at LexisNexis, said:

"We are immensely proud to sponsor the Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards, a relationship which stretches back some 17 years. Access to justice is more crucial now than ever over that period of time, and it remains no less inspiring to see the dedication and passion of law students who are committed to making a difference. Their pro bono work not only supports those in need but also strengthens the fabric of our society by promoting fairness and equality. We are honoured to support these future leaders, and the fantastic institutions behind them, in their journey to uphold justice and serve the community."

This year, more than fifty nominations were received representing thirty-seven law schools, universities and law clinics from across the UK. The shortlisted nominees are:

Best New Pro Bono Activity

Bangor University Legal Advice Clinic, Bangor University
Welcome Immigration Service, The City Law School, City, St George's University of London
Emma Ritch Law Clinic, University of Glasgow School of Law
University of Hertfordshire Parole Clinic
Windrush Community Law Clinic, Liverpool John Moores University

Best Contribution by an Individual Student

Julius Balchin, BPP University
Mia Beckford-Brown, University of Surrey, School of Law
Susie Brown, University of Dundee
Eli Goldsobel, The City Law School, City, St George's University of London
Megan McLennan, The Aberdeen Law Project
Maddy Nicholl, University of Southampton
Chintankumar Parmar, University of Hertfordshire

Best Contribution by a Law School (undergraduate and postgraduate)

LawIRL at The City Law School, City, St George's University of London
Community Law Clinic, University of Exeter
Glasgow Open Justice Centre, University of Glasgow School of Law
Pro Bono Network, Manchester Law School, Manchester Metropolitan University
Justice Hub, University of Manchester
Hallam Legal Advice Centre and Justice Hubs, Sheffield Hallam University
The University of Law Pro Bono Team, The University of Law

Best Contribution by a Team of Students

BPP's Public Legal Education student team, BPP University
University of Derby CLAS - Refugee Law Clinic
LSE European Court of Human Rights Intervention Clinic, LSE Law School
Employment Law Clinic, University of Plymouth
Bethan Lloyd and Elli Bainton, Support Through Court Cardiff
School Tasking Student Team, Warwick Law School

The winners of the Advocate and LawWorks Law School Challenge 2024 – 2025 will also be recognised with a presentation to the winning team.

The Law School Challenge 2024-25

The Law School Challenge ends next week, the current top three teams are:

De Montford University Law School
Birmingham City University
Swansea University

The Law School Challenge is a fundraising initiative created to raise awareness of pro bono and to raise money for free legal advice. To date, the teams taking part in the challenge this year have raised more than £13,000 to support free legal advice.

The judges for the 2025 Awards are:

I. Stephanie Boyce, former President of The Law Society of England and Wales (2021-2022)
Marina Faggionato, Joint Chair of the Bar Council Pro Bono & Social Responsibility Committee
Peter Farr, Head of Civil Law Policy, Ministry of Justice
James Harper, Executive Sponsor, Rule of Law and CSR for LexisNexis UK & Ireland
Deborah Smith, Executive Director and Senior Counsel, Goldman Sachs and LawWorks Trustee
Victoria Speed, formerly Director of Trust for London’s Employment Legal Advice Network & Director of Pro Bono at BPP Law School

LawWorks would like to congratulate all the shortlisted nominees and thank everyone who submitted nominations and took the time to celebrate student pro bono. We would also like to thank the judges for their hard work in drawing up the shortlist from a very impressive list of nominations, and LexisNexis for their continued sponsorship of the Awards.

For further information on the Student Pro Bono Awards, please visit: www.lawworks.org.uk/student-awards

-Ends-
Notes to editors:

LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity working in England and Wales to connect volunteer lawyers and law students with people in need of legal advice, who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay, and with the not-for-profit organisations that support them and their communities. LawWorks supports a network of independent pro bono advice clinics across England and Wales and facilitates the provision of free legal advice for smaller charities and not-for-profit organisations. For further information about LawWorks visit: https://lawworks.org.uk/
LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
LawWorks are extremely grateful for the sponsorship of the awards by LexisNexis Legal & Professional. LexisNexis' central mission is to progress the Rule of Law around the world - bringing as many people as possible within its protection. To achieve this, LexisNexis empower and enable legal, compliance and tax professionals with access to the very best in legal and business intelligence.  LexisNexis holds one of the largest and most up-to-date collections of legal, tax and compliance content in the world. All of their products are fuelled by the latest technologies. From powerful search technology to cutting-edge AI, their tools are specifically built to help legal professionals to reach better answers faster and more efficiently.  Lexis+ AI will let you add more value at speed with conversational search, drafting, summarisation, and document upload tools.
For further information about the Awards contact Peter Jackson, Communications Officer, peter.jackson@lawworks.org.uk, 07961 522042

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Press Release: Winners of the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2024 announced

peterjackson — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:58:00 +0000

LawWorks is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards, kindly sponsored by LexisNexis, and supported by the Law Society of England and Wales.

Held on Wednesday 4th December at the Law Society, the event was hosted by political commentator Tamara Cohen, and the awards were presented by Mark Evans, Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales.

The Awards recognise and celebrate the pro bono commitment of LawWorks members, their charity and corporate partners, and the work of independent clinics in the LawWorks clinics network.

Winners were chosen in thirteen categories, each representing the breadth and range of pro bono across England and Wales, internationally and LawWorks pro bono projects, – by individuals, firms, in-house teams, law schools and law students, supported by charities, advice agencies, law centres and many non-legal volunteers.

Commenting on the awards winners, Rebecca Wilkinson, the Chief Executive of LawWorks, said:

"The LawWorks Annual Awards are a highlight of our year; hearing the impact pro bono work makes on people’s lives continues to reaffirm our commitment to developing and supporting solicitors pro bono work within the access to justice ecosystem. We are so proud of the work of our member organisations, and the individual solicitors within them, who give up their time to help others."

The winners of the 2024 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards are:

Best Contribution by a Small or Medium Firm - Sponsored by LEAP: Ropes & Gray
Best Contribution by a Large Firm: Dechert
Best Contribution by an In-house Team or an In-house Solicitor: Omar Madhloom, University of Southampton
Best Contribution by a Junior Lawyer: Abigail Curry, Baker McKenzie
The Stephen Denyer Pro Bono Awards for Best Individual Contribution: Thomas Jennings, Herbert Smith Freehills
Best Pro Bono Contribution in Wales: Veterans Legal Link, Aberystwyth University
Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic: Dads House Family Law Clinic, Dad’s House
Best International Pro Bono Award - in partnership with A4ID: Face Equality International in partnership with Reed Smith, Bank of America and Amazon
Best New Pro Bono Activity: UCL iLAC Form Filling Initiative
Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership: City Community Legal Advice Centre
Best Contribution to LawWorks Not-For-Profits Programme: Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP
Best Contribution to LawWorks Secondary Specialisation Programme: Baker McKenzie
The Pro Bono Connect Award: Morrison Foerster and Cloisters Chambers

LawWorks are incredibly grateful to our judging panel for our awards this year, they are:

Mark Evans, Vice President of The Law Society of England and Wales
James Harper, Executive Sponsor, Rule of Law and CSR for LexisNexis UK & Ireland
Chris Minnoch, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group
Professor Richard Owen, Chair of the Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee
Paul Rogerson, Editor of the Law Society Gazette
Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive of Advocate

You can find out more about all those shortlisted and our winners in the 2024 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards programme.

Photographs of the event are available on request.

Contact: Peter Jackson: peter.jackson@lawworks.org.uk

--Ends--

Notes to editors:

LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity that promotes, supports and facilitates pro bono legal services that extend access to the law for individuals and communities in need and the organisations that assist them. LawWorks supports a network of over 300 independent pro bono clinics across England and Wales, and facilitates free legal advice for smaller charities and social enterprises through its Not-For-Profits Programme. LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
The LawWorks Annual Pro Bono Awards event is being held at the Law Society on 4th December (from 6.30pm). For more information, please contact Peter at: peter.jackson@lawworks.org.uk
Nominees for the LawWorks Annual Pro Bono Awards must be or include a member of LawWorks or a clinic in the LawWorks Clinics Network. Detail about LawWorks membership is available at: www.lawworks.org.uk/why-pro-bono/lawworks-membership-join-us
A4ID is a global charity that works in partnership with the world’s leading law firms, providing access to the best legal advice for those engaged in the fight against global poverty, and contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the new “Best International Pro Bono Award” special attention is given to pro bono projects that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. www.a4id.org
LawWorks are extremely grateful for the sponsorship of the awards by LexisNexis Legal & Professional. LexisNexis Legal & Professional® provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online and now, with the introduction of Lexis+, is leading the future of legal research. LexisNexis Legal & Professional serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,300 employees worldwide and is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
LEAP occupies a unique position in the legal software market as its powerful features expand beyond traditional practice management software and leverages the power of AI; enhancing efficiency, productivity and modernisation within law firms. LEAP is a true cloud solution that revolutionises how you run your practice, organise and manage documents, handle legal accounting and optimise your workflow to make more money. Built with clients in mind, LEAP is suited across all common areas of law and includes powerful tools to help future-proof law firms.

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LawWorks announces shortlist for the 2024 Pro Bono Awards

peterjackson — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:36:00 +0000

LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2024 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards.

For immediate release

The annual LawWorks Pro Bono Awards recognise and celebrate achievement in legal pro bono work, undertaken by organisations and individuals, and the commitment of the legal sector in enabling access to justice. Our finalists represent the breadth and range of pro bono activity undertaken by LawWorks members, pro bono clinics and many others across England and Wales.

The awards are kindly sponsored by LexisNexis and supported by the Law Society of England and Wales.

Commenting on the awards shortlist, Rebecca Wilkinson, the Chief Executive of LawWorks, said:

"A huge congratulations to those shortlisted and everyone who was nominated – these awards acknowledge and celebrate the commitment of law firms, in-house teams and the many individuals who volunteer their time and share their legal expertise to improve the lives of others.

Seeing the impact pro bono work makes on people’s lives reaffirms our commitment to developing and supporting solicitors pro bono work within the access to justice community.

We would like to thank the judges for their work, they had no easy task, and look forward to meeting the finalists and our supporters at the awards event on December 4th."

James Harper, Director, Global Legal LexisNexis, said:

"This is now the 10th year that LexisNexis has proudly supported the LawWorks Awards as part of our commitment to advancing the Rule of Law.

This is a commitment that sits at the very heart of our business and is embedded in everything we do – whether that is providing content to help lawyers make better decisions, developing AI responsibly, or producing software which streamlines workflow, it all helps to advance the Rule of Law. And we go beyond that, in our volunteering work, our projects, and the partnerships we develop with incredible institutions like LawWorks.

We are privileged to support the LawWorks Awards, which recognise the tireless efforts and inspiring dedication of those on the front lines of access to justice. The nominees exemplify extraordinary commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the legal system. We are honoured to stand with them and highlight their invaluable work.

Congratulations to all those shortlisted—your achievements are commendable, and we look forward to celebrating with you in December."

The Stephen Denyer Pro Bono Award

Following the passing earlier this year of Stephen Denyer, and in recognition of his ability to bring people and organisations together from different parts of the profession, we are pleased to announce that our Best Pro Bono Contribution by an Individual award is being dedicated in his memory and from here on will be called The Stephen Denyer Pro Bono Award.

Stephen was a true advocate for pro bono work and believed in the power of solicitors to come together and make the world a better place. In his memory, his family asked for donations to LawWorks in lieu of flowers and we are grateful to continue his legacy through our work and our celebration of pro bono. If you would like to support us in Stephen’s name, you can through his memorial site.

The shortlisted nominees for the 2024 awards are:

Best Contribution by a Small or Medium Firm - Sponsored by LEAP

Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP
Hodge Jones & Allen
MTC Solicitors
Ropes & Gray

Best Contribution by a Large Firm

Addleshaw Goddard
Baker McKenzie
Dechert
Kirkland & Ellis International
Milbank
Travers Smith

Best Contribution by an In-house Team or an In-house Solicitor

In-House team, The University of Law
Omar Madhloom, University of Southampton
Visa Legal, Ethics and Compliance Team

Best Contribution by a Junior Lawyer

Lauren Beattie, Milbank
Abigail Curry, Baker McKenzie
Shereen Goh, Herbert Smith Freehills
Sarah Hill-Smith, Clyde & Co
Richard Rowlands, Covington
Tom Wyer, Herbert Smith Freehills

The Stephen Denyer Pro Bono Award (Best Individual Contribution)

Sarah Clover, South Westminster Legal Advice Centre and Clyde & Co
Daniel Denton, Hodge Jones & Allen
Thomas Jennings, Herbert Smith Freehills
Jake Savile-Tucker, Herbert Smith Freehills
Ruth Scoles Mitchell, Covington

Best Pro Bono Contribution in Wales

LGBTQ+ Law Clinic CIC
Veterans Legal Link, Aberystwyth University

Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic

Dads House Family Law Clinic
Employment Tribunal Support Service, University of Law
Legal Advice Centre, University of East London
University of Southampton Global Legal Clinic

Best International Pro Bono Award - in partnership with A4ID

Face Equality International in partnership with Reed Smith LLP, Bank of America and Amazon
Herbert Smith Freehills, Human Dignity Trust and Blackstone Chamber
MPF Afghan BAP Project

Best New Pro Bono Activity

Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP
Ethnicity Business Growth Programme, Addleshaw Goddard
McKenzie Friend Service, BPP University
Toynbee Hall & Herbert Smith Freehills Housing Clinic
UCL iLAC Form Filling Initiative

Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership Award

City Community Legal Advice Centre
Connect Legal Advice Clinic, Centrepoint, Goldman Sachs & Herbert Smith Freehills
Employment Legal Advice Service, The Growth Company
Hertfordshire Law School & Shelter Court Runner Scheme
Reach out to Survivors, University of Chester
Working Families' Legal Advice Service

Best Contribution to LawWorks Not-For-Profits Programme

Covington
Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP
Proskauer Rose (UK) LLP

Best Contribution to LawWorks Secondary Specialisation Programme

Baker McKenzie
Pallas Partners

The Pro Bono Connect Award

Brabners
Dechert, Maitland Chambers, Astraea Group
Morgan Lewis & Bockius
Morrison Foerster and Cloisters Chambers

LawWorks are incredibly grateful to our judging panel for our awards this year, they are:

Mark Evans, Vice President of The Law Society of England and Wales
James Harper, Executive Sponsor, Rule of Law and CSR for LexisNexis UK & Ireland
Chris Minnoch, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group
Professor Richard Owen, Chair of the Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee
Paul Rogerson, Editor of the Law Society Gazette
Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive of Advocate

The winners of the awards will be announced at an event at the Law Society of England and Wales, Chancery Lane, London on 4th December. Hosted by political commentator, Tamara Cohen, the evening will be a magical night celebrating the legal pro bono work undertaking by solicitors and LawWorks. The award presentations will be followed by an informal drinks and canapes reception.

Join the awards celebration across social media using #LawWorksAwards

Contact: Peter Jackson: peter.jackson@lawworks.org.uk

--Ends--

Notes to editors:

LawWorks (the Solicitors Pro Bono Group) is a charity that promotes, supports and facilitates pro bono legal services that extend access to the law for individuals and communities in need and the organisations that assist them. LawWorks supports a network of over 300 independent pro bono clinics across England and Wales, and facilitates free legal advice for smaller charities and social enterprises through its Not-For-Profits Programme. LawWorks is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales, the independent professional body for solicitors.
The LawWorks Annual Pro Bono Awards event is being held at the Law Society on 4th December (from 6.30pm). For more information, please contact Peter at: peter.jackson@lawworks.org.uk
Nominees for the LawWorks Annual Pro Bono Awards must be or include a member of LawWorks or a clinic in the LawWorks Clinics Network. Detail about LawWorks membership is available at: www.lawworks.org.uk/why-pro-bono/lawworks-membership-join-us
A4ID is a global charity that works in partnership with the world’s leading law firms, providing access to the best legal advice for those engaged in the fight against global poverty, and contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the new “Best International Pro Bono Award” special attention is given to pro bono projects that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. www.a4id.org
LawWorks are extremely grateful for the sponsorship of the awards by LexisNexis Legal & Professional. LexisNexis Legal & Professional® provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online and now, with the introduction of Lexis+, is leading the future of legal research. LexisNexis Legal & Professional serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,300 employees worldwide and is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
LEAP occupies a unique position in the legal software market as its powerful features expand beyond traditional practice management software and leverages the power of AI; enhancing efficiency, productivity and modernisation within law firms. LEAP is a true cloud solution that revolutionises how you run your practice, organise and manage documents, handle legal accounting and optimise your workflow to make more money. Built with clients in mind, LEAP is suited across all common areas of law and includes powerful tools to help future-proof law firms.

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