Pro Bono Week 2022 - 25 for 25 Report Launch

9 Nov 2022

To celebrate Advocate’s 25^th anniversary year, we invited barristers to take part in 25 for 25: The Pro Bono Challenge.

The Challenge took place from Volunteers’ Week June 2021 to Volunteers’ Week June 2022, and we encouraged barristers to complete 25 hours of pro bono through Advocate or any other pro bono scheme, for our 25^th anniversary.

We are pleased to launch 25 for 25: The Pro Bono Challenge report during Pro Bono Week 2022, Download the full 25 for 25: The Pro Bono Challenge report here.

The response by the Bar has been extraordinary! We are truly blown away by the compassion and generosity shown by all those that took part. The commitment to helping those that fall through the cracks of our justice system is inspiring. Thank you for supporting access to justice for all. See the full list of those that took part here.

25 for 25 Report - Key Results

356 individuals completed 25+ hours of pro bono
15,434 hours of pro bono were completed.
125 different Chambers took part
Barristers from all circuits in England and Wales took part.
Barristers at all stages of their careers were involved in the Challenge, ranging from junior (2021 call) to senior (1970 call).
Barristers called in 2019 were most involved in the Challenge.
52 KCs took part and completed the Challenge.
Hours completed ranged from 25 to 250, with the average number of hours being 43.
35 barristers completed at least 100 hours, 5 of whom completed 200 hours or more.
Other than through Advocate, pro bono work took place through numerous other schemes, charities and pathways, such as CLIPS, ELAAS, ELIPS, FRU & Pro Bono Connect. A more extensive list of pro bono pathways is included in the full report.
The most common reason for taking on pro bono was ‘to give back'. Emphasis was also placed on wishing to use one’s skills to fight injustices.
Barristers said that undertaking pro bono work made them feel 'personally and professionally fulfilled’, and that they were 'making a difference’.

It is important to recognise that the Challenge showcases just a small fraction of the Bar’s pro bono work. This is just a snippet of all the fantastic pro bono work taking place at the Bar.