Silk story - Michael Jones KC

"There is a myth that pro bono work is something that is only appropriate for junior members of the Bar seeking to ‘build up’ their experience. This is totally misconceived; as a Silk I have taken on three cases of note during the last twelve months, which have all proved challenging, time consuming and rewarding. I would definitely encourage more senior members of the family Bar to take up pro bono work."  

Michael Jones KC of Deans Court Chambers is an Advocate Reviewer and Panel Member who has assisted on a number of Advocate’s family cases, one of our largest areas of law requiring pro bono assistance.

Below Michael shares why he encourages other Silks from the family Bar to undertake pro bono work, and the rewards it provides to enriching your practice. 

 I first came across Advocate many years ago, shortly after finishing pupillage. I was - and remain - frustrated with the situation relating to legal aid in family cases, which in my view has resulted in many vulnerable parents being unable to source legally aided advice and representation in both private law and certain public law children proceedings. That was pretty much the main reason I decided to take work on for Advocate.

After taking on pro bono work for a number of years, I decided to apply to become a case reviewer in 2022 and was duly successful. Now I act as both a reviewer, considering the applications made by members of the public and deciding whether they merit pro bono advice and representation, and as leading counsel in family cases where I am instructed directly by Advocate.

Pro bono work has been a key part of my practice over recent years, not least because I have managed to act in some really interesting cases in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Advocate offers a wide range of both interesting and challenging work and provided me with a number of experiences that I was able to draw upon when applying for Silk. I would encourage junior practitioners to consider working for Advocate on the basis that, not only are you using your skills for an important cause and helping vulnerable clients who are clearly in need of your assistance, but you are also building on and elevating your own practice. It is very rewarding work to do.

There is a myth that pro bono work is something that is only appropriate for junior members of the Bar seeking to ‘build up’ their experience. This is totally misconceived; as a Silk I have taken on three cases of note during the last twelve months, which have all proved challenging, time consuming and rewarding. I would definitely encourage more senior members of the family Bar to take up pro bono work.  

Interested in volunteering your time with Advocate as a Panel Member or Reviewer? Read our guide to taking on pro bono work with Advocate and see our Information on Reviewing.

If you are interested in applying for Silk next year, make sure to read our tailored guide to how pro bono work can assist with KC applications.