Bridging the justice gap on the Western Circuit: Helen Moizer’s story

“There are many barristers and lawyers who are keen to contribute, but time and support are often the limiting factors. At the same time, there are excellent organisations eager to connect clients with legal help. The key lies in marrying these two sides, by ensuring that willing practitioners are matched with the right opportunities, and that local networks are strengthened to make this possible.”

Helen Moizer, a barrister at No.18 Chambers and former Advocate Caseworker, shares how pro bono work has shaped her early practice. Having completed the Pupil Pledge during her pupillage, she values the role of pro bono in promoting access to justice and developing advocacy skills. Now on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Pro Bono Committee, she is working to strengthen regional networks and ensure legal support reaches those most in need in the Western Circuit.

Why have you decided to incorporate pro bono work into your practice?
For me, pro bono work is an important way to ensure that those without the means to pay for legal representation can still have their voices heard. It’s a practical way to contribute to access to justice, which is one of the reasons I became a barrister in the first place. It also offers opportunities to step outside the usual boundaries of my practice and apply my skills in different contexts.

What value have you obtained from your experiences doing pro bono work?
I’ve handled a variety of matters, some involving areas of law I wouldn’t otherwise encounter, which has broadened my professional toolkit. Beyond the professional growth, there’s a genuine satisfaction in seeing the immediate, positive impact this work can have on someone’s life. It also helps the heavy workload of the courts when you represent a litigant in person and assist in narrowing down the issues, so it is always rewarding to have a judge thank you!

Why do you do pro bono work through Advocate?
Advocate provides an excellent framework for undertaking pro bono work. Their support and guidance make the process smooth, and the involvement of a reviewer ensures that cases are well-matched. It also means I can take on a specific part of a case rather than being committed to the entire matter, which makes it easier to fit into a busy practice.

What was your most memorable pro bono case?
My most memorable pro bono case was through another excellent charity - the Free Representation Unit (FRU) - where I represented a client in the Employment Appeal Tribunal as a pupil barrister in 2023. This was an excellent experience at the time where I appeared before a senior circuit judge and argued a novel point of law in relation to the Employment Tribunal Rules which we succeeded on. This also involved submissions for a pro bono costs order for the first time in the Employment Tribunal, and although we were unsuccessful on this, the judgment assisted in setting out how the principle was possible for future appellants.  

Are there any challenges unique to addressing the need for pro bono work in the South West? How can the Bar address this and why?
The main challenge is bringing together the knowledge, awareness, and infrastructure needed to deliver pro bono work effectively. There are many barristers and lawyers who are keen to contribute, but time and support are often the limiting factors.

At the same time, there are excellent organisations eager to connect clients with legal help. The key lies in marrying these two sides, by ensuring that willing practitioners are matched with the right opportunities, and that local networks are strengthened to make this possible.

I am part of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Pro Bono Committee who encourage and support the voluntary provision by the legal profession in the region of free legal assistance to those in need. The Committee was established in 2023 with the support of HHJ Glen (Designated Civil Judge), HHJ Levey (then Designated Family Judge), University of Southampton Law School, the Access to Justice Foundation, Advocate, Citizens Advice (Southampton), Hampshire Law Society, the National Pro Bono Centre, LawWorks, Southampton Advice & Representation Centre, the Western Circuit and Yellow Door.

The Committee is planning to carry out a mapping exercise regarding the pro bono services available in the region and collating this information with the aim of disseminating it to clients. The Committee is a brilliant resource in trying to bring those pro bono communities together in the South West.

If you are interested in taking on pro bono work with Advocate or finding out more about how to get involved in the Western Circuit, please contact our dedicated Western Circuit caseworker, Louis.