"Pro bono work is even more vital for the family courts today. With the legal aid cuts and now the cost-of-living crisis, many people are left with no funds to afford costly legal advice and representation. My advice is simple – it is hugely rewarding to take a client from their first appointment with us to final hearing and see the joy on their face when they know they will see their child again."
Simon Miller, barrister at Harcourt Chambers, specialises in children law and volunteers at Dads House Family Law Clinic. Here he provides advice to clients on family matters on a pro bono basis. Dads House won the Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year Award in the 2024 Bar Pro Bono Awards. Below, Simon shares more about the pro bono work he does at Dads House Family Law Clinic, reflecting on the importance of pro bono in the family courts today, and the value of pro bono work to aspiring lawyers.
How did you first get involved in pro bono work at Dads House Family Law Clinic and what do you do here?
In January 2021, I contacted Simon Bruce at Dads House and had a series of discussions with him before joining the team on Wednesday afternoons to volunteer at the Family Law Clinic. Here I help advise our clients in family matters.
For example, in 2023, myself and the Dads House Family Law Clinic team secured the return of two vulnerable children, who were wards of court from the Philippines. In October 2022, I met the client for the first time and then issued a Part 19 application for the summary return of the two children. Following eight court hearings, habitual residence was declared for both children in this jurisdiction, and a summary return ordered.
This was an amazing journey of collaboration from all those at Dads House who provided emotional support, advice and advocacy to the client to secure the children’s return to the UK.
What have you found most rewarding about doing pro bono work?
Collaborating with vulnerable clients - who without Dads House Family Law Clinic would not have had their case fairly evidenced and presented to the court - is definitely the most rewarding part.
Another rewarding part of pro bono work is helping guide student lawyers to become the next generation of family lawyers, seeing each student develop their confidence in discussing with clients their particular case and giving sound advice.
What advice would you give to any barrister or student in your field considering doing pro bono work?
Pro bono work is even more vital for the family courts today. With the legal aid cuts and now the cost-of-living crisis, many people are left with no funds to afford costly legal advice and representation. My advice is simple – it is hugely rewarding to take a client from their first appointment with us to final hearing and see the joy on their face when they know they will see their child again.
My advice for students is that pro bono is a fantastic opportunity to enter the profession, and to learn and develop a wide range of skills. This is all whilst getting invaluable experience in helping clients that otherwise would not have been helped. Your pro bono cases are always the ones you remember, as you give back and assist deserving clients who are incredibly humble and grateful.
Find out how you can get involved in pro bono work by volunteering with Advocate today.
Are you an aspiring barrister? Read our guide to pro bono for pupils and supervisors and see how pro bono work can boost your career prospects.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Bar Pro Bono Awards! Find out more and nominate now.