A real ‘feel good’ moment: A pupil barrister on the value of pro bono both for clients and counsel

During her final seat of pupillage, family law pupil barrister Beth Payne of QEB offers her personal and professional reflections on the value of pro bono work. Through Advocate’s Pupil Pledge, she gained hands-on courtroom experience, developed her client care skills, and helped secure a positive outcome for a family in need of free legal help. At a time of growing demand for pro bono work, she reminds us how impactful pro bono work can be, both for those who receive it and those who provide it.

I decided to incorporate pro bono both as an opportunity to expand my professional experience in court, as well as for an opportunity to give back. The role that pro bono has to play in the legal profession is a crucial and important one right now, especially in the field of family law. With legal aid cuts and the ongoing cost of living crisis, it is crucial that those who need assistance in the family courts are able to access it. I feel fortunate to be in a position to use my skills to help give back to those who need free legal help. 

For me, the value of pro bono work is twofold. First, knowing that I was legitimately able to help a client who was in need of legal representation is hugely valuable. The costs involved with legal proceedings act as a real barrier for litigants who will often benefit from legal advice and representation. Offering up my abilities pro bono meant that I could have a real ‘feel good’ moment, which is always valuable.

Second, I believe that my client care skills have been enhanced by working direct access via Advocate. Directly interfacing with and advising a client in their preparation for a hearing is rare - taking the opportunity to understand the background of the case, my client and her children’s lives, and the reason for her position in the hearing gave me some excellent insight into how best to present the case and represent a client. This has been an invaluable part of completing pro bono work during pupillage and I will be able to take this forward in my future practice.

Advocate is a wonderful platform to use when you are starting to undertake pro bono work. It actively supports pupils: caseworkers are exceptionally helpful, responsive and always happy to help with questions you may have. You can read through the case papers before accepting a case, giving you time to consider whether the case is appropriate for your level of experience. Furthermore, you can ask for more support through mentoring if you want or need it. 

The Pupil Pledge provided me with a wonderful opportunity to get more courtroom experience, interact directly with a client, and complete valuable pro bono work. Most significantly, it connected me with a wonderful client who was in clear need of pro bono assistance. The outcome of the hearing was a good one for her, and one that she may not have achieved if she was unrepresented on the day. Her gratitude and knowing that I helped both her and her children in taking a positive step forward in their lives is a feeling that I will likely never forget.

The experience encouraged me to take on more pro bono work, and make it a part of my practice as I qualify fully as a barrister. I had a great experience completing the Pupil Pledge, and I would encourage every pupil barrister to undertake pro bono work through Advocate!

Beth Payne, QEB.

Find out more about the Pupil Pledge and how to take on pro bono work through Advocate.

See the Guide to Pro Bono Work for Pupils and Supervisors for more information on where to find pro bono work opportunities and the support available for pupils.

If you have any questions or want to find out more about working with Advocate, please do not hesitate to get in touch.