Pro Bono Week
Pro Bono Week promotes and supports the work of lawyers who volunteer their services for free to people and organisations who couldn't otherwise afford legal advice. It's part of a global celebration of pro bono that takes place every year.
Pro Bono Week was first held in 2001. It’s endorsed by the Law Society, the Bar Council and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), who assist the pro bono sector by:
- publishing a guide to pro bono support (PDF 8 MB)
- raising awareness of initiatives and areas of concern
- organising events and giving support during Pro Bono Week
Find out how you can volunteer for pro bono work
Pro Bono Week 2020
The 19th Pro Bono Week will take place from 2 to 6 November 2020, recognising and supporting the voluntary contribution made by lawyers across the UK in giving free legal help to those in need.
In this year of unprecedented challenges, for both the voluntary and legal sectors, pro bono legal help has never been more important.
The overarching theme of Pro Bono Week 2020 is 'Pro bono: Through the pandemic and beyond'.
Event organisers are encouraged to highlight and explore the role of pro bono in light of the pandemic. We expect to see events focusing on three key areas:
- celebrating pro bono – events celebrating those who give back and recent successes in pro bono
- pro bono pathways – events exploring different ways lawyers can volunteer throughout their careers
- effective pro bono – events sharing best practice and discussing what makes an effective pro bono service
With the potential that social distancing will still be in place, a mixture of online and in-person events are being planned.
Events for Pro Bono Week 2020 include:
- the launch of Pro Bono Week 2020: panel debate; beyond the pandemic
- the use of technology in pro bono (with our president David Greene as a panellist)
- our Pro Bono Charter Forum
Law firms, chambers, legal societies, charities, in-house lawyers, universities and law schools are encouraged to start planning how to use Pro Bono Week 2020, whether through private or public events, or through internal or wider communications.
Get help organising Pro Bono Week activities
Find out about events being held in Pro Bono Week
Contact us
If you have any questions about Pro Bono Week, email Valerie Robertson, our pro bono policy adviser or visit the Pro Bono Week website.
Follow Pro Bono Week on social media using the hashtags #wedoprobono and #probonoweek.
