‘Take one pro bono case per year as a habit’: Hamish Fraser

“It really hit home whilst representing her just how incredibly stressful and destructive the looming spectre of years of litigation can be to someone facing it alone and unrepresented. It is a day-job and routine for us, but can be all-consuming and bewildering for someone without legal training or experience.”

This year’s Pro Bono Recognition List highlights barristers and other legal professionals who have dedicated their time and expertise to those in need of legal assistance. In this interview, commercial barrister Hamish Fraser of Crown Office Chambers reflects on his journey into pro bono work, from taking his first case through the Free Representation Unit as a Bar student, to securing life-changing outcomes for pro bono clients in need who have faced years of stressful litigation. He discusses the importance of saying “yes” to pro bono opportunities, and why the growing culture of pro bono at the Bar continues to inspire him.

At what stage in your career did you first become involved in pro bono work, and what motivated you to take on that first case?

I first became involved in pro bono work whilst studying on the Bar Course through the Free Representation Unit (FRU). Admittedly, I think my initial motivations were to build some experience for my CV, which FRU is brilliant for. But to this day one of my proudest professional memories was the huge hug I received from a delighted client outside of Court after we had won her employment dispute at trial.

FRU is a brilliant organisation, and I highly recommend all law students who are interested in litigation or the Bar to take on at least one case through them. As a student, there is no better way to experience the practical reality of litigation and, even better, you will really help someone along the way.   

What inspires you to continue undertaking pro bono work alongside your practice?

My practice at the Commercial Bar usually involves advising and representing large companies in cases involving large sums of money. I find undertaking pro bono work to be a helpful reminder that the significance of a case is not really determined by the value of money at stake, but by its importance to the people involved. People come to the Bar for lots of different reasons, but I think at the heart of it is a desire to help people by solving complicated problems. Pro bono work is a very impactful way to do that.

Is there a particular pro bono case or client that has stayed with you? What made that experience especially meaningful to you?

I recently represented a client who, despite being of limited means, had been pursued by a vindictive claimant organisation for a number of years on very poor allegations of civil fraud. It really hit home whilst representing her just how incredibly stressful and destructive the looming spectre of years of litigation can be to someone facing it alone and unrepresented. It is a day-job and routine for us, but can be all-consuming and bewildering for someone without legal training or experience.

There is always a concern before taking on a pro bono case as to whether you are really the right person to assist, whether there might be someone else better out there. But this case really emphasised to me just how much pressure you can relieve from someone else just by offering to help with the many years of legal training which we have all had.

Finally persuading the claimant organisation to discontinue the claim at the door of Court, after so many years of stress for my client, was hugely rewarding – a moment I’ll never forget.

The client shared the following message with Advocate:

“…His winning the case for me with a court trial has been a significant moment and a turning point for me. I want to thank him for the great pro bono legal work he has done for me because truthfully, he has helped save my life by doing so…"

I’m hugely grateful for the kind feedback. It is lovely to hear I might have done my bit to help someone else.

What advice would you give to others who are considering taking on pro bono work?

I would pass on my own pupil supervisors’ advice, which was to take one pro bono case per year as a habit rather than a choice. I have found that viewing it this way has encouraged me always to take the most difficult first step - simply to say yes to a case. 

You are recognised on the Pro Bono Recognition List - what does that recognition mean to you?

I think the best thing is seeing just how many other lawyers are on the list, growing every year, and the huge number of hours which must in total have been expended contributing to pro bono work.

- Hamish Fraser, Crown Office Chambers

Find out more about the Pro Bono Recognition List. If you have already taken on 25 or more hours of pro bono work in 2026, make sure to add your name to feature on the 2027 Pro Bono Recognition List.