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New Pro Bono Patrons 2018 celebrated

29 Mar 2018

Pro Bono Patrons

Launched today, the Pro Bono Patrons scheme publicly acknowledges those that provide core support to the Bar Pro Bono Unit. Set up in 1996, the Bar Pro Bono Unit exists to structure the pro bono work of the Bar across England and Wales. Still the only national charity to accept applications for legal help in all areas of law and in all courts and tribunals, the Unit seeks no government funding and is an essential institution of the Bar, helping members of the public who would otherwise have no avenue to access to justice.

Many chambers and barristers proudly display a host of impressive logos on their websites and email signatures, showing their participation in award and ranking schemes such as those run by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. For the first time, the Pro Bono Patron allows them to display their important support of pro bono and access to justice.

Recognising those who have supported the Unit from the very start such as Fountain Court Chambers alongside inaugural Pro Bono Patrons like Brick Court Chambers, the scheme also gives organisations a way to share that commitment externally and publicly with clients and staff.

Without such core regular funding, it would be impossible for the Bar Pro Bono Unit to carry out its function of structuring the pro bono work of the Bar and enabling hundreds of people to achieve proper and deserved access to justice.

Pro Bono Patron organisations and individuals support the Unit at three levels:

Gold Circle £8,000+ | Silver Circle £3,500+ | Bronze Circle £1,000+

Pro Bono Patrons will display the mark on their website, email signature and other publicity materials and are recognised prominently on the Unit website.