To highlight best practice and innovation in social responsibility and community engagement, the judges looked for original ideas and significant outcomes from initiatives across the spectrum, from small-scale community involvement to large-scale pro bono projects. This award was open to all in the legal sector.
Watson Farley Williams – Competition Law Project caught the judges' eye for many reasons. It demonstrated how pro bono work helps people in far more ways than most people ever imagine. It successfully helped small businesses, therefore helping local communities all over the country. And it's been such a success that the firm expect it to be replicated elsewhere in the EU. Watson Farley Williams – Competition Law Project established a partnership of 38 different service providers offering free competition law advice.
Lovells’ partnership with leading NGOs to provide pro bono support for victims of humantrafficking has been recognised for its innovation and impact securing financial compensation. The judges were also impressed with the sensitive way in which information is obtained without requiring victims to relive their traumatic experiences unnecessarily. The firm is also using its expertise and knowledge to influence public policy and improve the system in the long term.
Clifford Chance’s unique long term partnership with Law for All has proved to be highly successful in supporting the efficient delivery of publicly funded services while widening access to justice for those whose legal needs would otherwise be unmet. In addition to offering the expertise of its lawyers on a pro bono basis, other professionals from IT to accounting are also involved in the scheme.
Muzaffar Ahmad Mansoor provides extensive pro bono legal advice to his local community, with significant results including a landmark decision resulting in the reconsideration of many religious asylum cases. He has used his legal expertise to support charity fundraising, training, human rights work and to provide work experience for young people.
The judges were impressed by the vision of the undergraduates and law department in establishing a free legal advice clinic. A successful partnership developed with local firms has provided an invaluable and sustainable service for a community in an area of high social deprivation. The judges also recognised the innovation of the department’s Law in Arts project, established as a direct response to local legal needs, which received impressive feedback from both students and users.
Ridley & Hall’s commitment to pro bono work is evidenced at local, national and international levels. The firm supports regular advice sessions for the elderly at a community advice centre, provides pro bono representation in complex care cases and has been pivotal in establishing a twinning link between the Huddersfield and Ugandan law societies. The inspiration they have provided takes their impact beyond the individuals and families they have helped.
Mamie has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to pro bono work. By representing those seeking to challenge the refusal of disability benefits at tribunal, she has ensured access to justice and financial support for some of the most vulnerable members of her local community. She also supervises a team of volunteer solicitors and law students to extend support to as many clients as possible.