Celebrating 25 years of Pro Bono Week: Advocate’s highlights

From young lawyers sharing their first experiences of pro bono to regional discussions about reaching more people who need legal help, Pro Bono Week 2026 brought together colleagues across the profession. Advocate was proud to be involved in 17 events nationwide, attending in every circuit across England and Wales to celebrate the difference pro bono makes and encourage more lawyers to get involved. 

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week, with three themes: celebrating a tradition, inspiring action and shaping the future. For Advocate, also celebrating our 30th anniversary, it was an opportunity to recognise the barristers who make our work possible and strengthen the partnerships that help people access legal assistance. 

The week began at the launch event, hosted by TrustLaw, where Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP reflected on her experience as an MP and the people who turn to their representatives when they have nowhere else to go. She highlighted how pro bono can be a lifeline and thanked the lawyers, firms and charities who give their time to help. Her message was clear: “Access to justice should be for everyone, not just those who can afford it.” 

(Picture: Toby Brown, Chair of Pro Bono Week UK, Pauline Campbell, Pro Bono Lawyer and Wesley McGrady, Barrister-at-Law)

On Tuesday, we co-hosted the London Young Lawyers’ Event at Gray’s Inn, alongside the Junior Solicitors Litigation Association, London Young Lawyers Group, Middle Temple Young Barristers’ Association, National Pro Bono Centre and Young Barristers’ Committee. 

Chaired by Joanna Gosling, our panel shared honest and thoughtful accounts of their pro bono work: the difference it had made to their clients, the opportunities it had opened up and how they had found space for it in busy practices. Solicitor General Andy Slaughter MP delivered the keynote address, reminding attendees: “You give a lot, but pro bono gives a lot back.” 

There was a real energy in the room as barristers and solicitors exchanged experiences and discussed how to take their next steps. We were especially pleased that the first Manchester Young Lawyers’ Event took place that same evening, featuring a panel of young lawyers and a keynote address from District Judge Morwood. As Sophie Cartwright KC put it: “Pro bono makes us better lawyers. Pro bono makes us better people.” 

(Picture: Our Chair, Sharif Shivji KC, speaking at the London Young Lawyers Event)

On Wednesday, our team joined events across the country. At the Sheffield Pro Bono Summit, discussions explored the potential role of AI in frontline legal services, and how to make support more accessible, from the new Sheffield court helpdesk to better triage and referrals. 

It was particularly encouraging to hear the Pro Bono Recognition List championed. Advocate coordinates submissions from the Bar, helping recognise barristers who give their time and expertise. Recognition may not be why people undertake pro bono, but making that contribution visible helps build a culture where it is valued and encouraged. 

At the North East Pro Bono Summit in Newcastle, hosted by Womble Bond Dickinson, our North East Caseworker Rukhsar chaired a panel exploring the work of university law clinics, volunteer barristers and organisations supporting access to justice. Discussions ranged from special educational needs and disabilities to public legal education and money advice, showing the breadth of work taking place across the region.

(Picture: Our North East Caseworker, Rukhsar (right) and the North East Pro Bono Summit panel)

Meanwhile, our Welsh Caseworker Abigail R joined the panel at the first Wales Young Lawyers Event, held in collaboration with the Pro Bono Committee for Wales. Students, pupils and practitioners asked thoughtful questions about getting involved, with discussions exploring how firms, chambers and frontline agencies can strengthen local services together. 

(Picture: our Welsh Caseworker, Abigail R (left) on the Wales Young Lawyers Event panel)

On Thursday, our Chief Executive Christopher and Northern Caseworker Taylor attended the Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards. We were delighted that Advocate was highly commended for Frontline Agency of the Year, and we warmly congratulate the winners, Support Through Court Manchester. Christopher also presented the Student of the Year award to Charlotte Rodney, who is already undertaking pro bono work through Advocate. 

Alongside these events, our team contributed to seminars and wider conversations across the profession. Our Western Caseworker, Louis, spoke at the West of England Pro Bono Committee’s "Pro Bono in Practice" event, while colleagues delivered seminars at Field Court Chambers and XXIV Old Buildings. Our Director of Casework, Zoe, delivered a seminar at St Philips Chambers in Birmingham, where discussions highlighted the vital role clerks play in making pro bono possible. Christopher also attended the Law Society’s Pro Bono Charter event, reflecting our commitment to supporting pro bono across the whole legal sector. 

(Picture: our Casework Manager, Bill, Ryan Anderson, and our General Common Law Caseworker, Abigail O at the Field Court Chambers seminar)

These conversations matter because the need for help continues to grow. The number of requests for our services increased by 35% last year. Behind every request is a person dealing with an issue that they would otherwise have to navigate alone. With the support of our volunteer barristers, their expertise can help someone understand their options, prepare their case or face proceedings with representation. Our panel of barristers currently sits at more than 5,000, with hundreds each year generously giving their expertise and time. 

Across the profession, that commitment is substantial. This year's Pro Bono Recognition List included 700 barristers and 4,630 solicitors, and members of the UK Collaborative Plan recorded 645,453 hours of pro bono work in 2025. But, as both the Bar Council and Law Society emphasised during the week, pro bono cannot replace a properly funded legal aid system. 

Thank you to everyone who hosted an event, shared their experience, supported our work or volunteered their expertise. This week celebrated what pro bono can achieve. The work continues throughout the year, and we look forward to helping more barristers turn their interest into practical support for people who need it.