Overview of the National Pro Bono Week 2016Timetable
Monday 7 November
Launch of the Pro Bono Charter and Manual (Breakfast); Launched by Robert Bourns, President of the Law Society
Please join us to help the Law Society launch its Pro Bono Charter and Manual. The Charter is a statement of commitment that firms and in-house teams are invited to sign up to and is a public commitment by legal practices to promote pro bono opportunities throughout their business, to help support this goal. The Pro Bono Manual sets out the steps legal practices may take in order to develop a strategic pro bono programme, and includes template policies, engagement letters, memorandums of understanding as well as best practice guidance and information about strategic partners within the sector. A limited number of Pro Bono Manuals will be available for guests.
Chair: Robert Bourns, President, Law Society
Guy Beringer, Chair, Legal Education Foundation
Nicholas Cheffings, Chair, Prime
Venue: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London
Time: 8:30am - 10:30am
To register to attend this event, please visit:
MPs Education Event – Invitation Only
A pro bono seminar by pro bono charities focused on a presentation of pro bono services and a Q&A session for MPs, caseworkers and researchers. The purpose of the event is to support case workers, researchers and interested MPs in understanding how they can access pro bono services. Relevant literature will be provided including the Guide to Pro Bono.
Chair: Alex Chalk, MP
Venue: House of Commons, London
Time: 14.00-16.00
Pro Bono SPARK Talks: inspiring talks from across the pro bono sector. Official launch of National Pro Bono Week by the Chair of the Bar on behalf of the professional bodies
Host: Rachael Marsh
Ann Cooper - National Coordinator at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) UK
Amy Heading, DLA Piper
Mandy Adogla-Popovic, Simmons & Simmons Internal Contribution to Pro Bono Award Winner
Gloria Morrison, JENGba
Patricia White, FCILEx
Charlotte Barrington, BPP Pro Bono Student
Venue:BPP University, 68-70 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4NY
Time: 18.00-20:00
To register, please visit:
Birmingham Law Society NPBW event with keynote speaker Joss Saunders
Birmingham Law Society’s annual pro bono lecture; with the opportunity to meet community partners and third sector organisations.
Keynote Speaker: Joss Saunders, General Counsel for Oxfam
Venue: Gowlings WLG, Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands B4 6WR
Time: 17.30 - 20.00
To register, please contact: Linden Thomas (Birmingham Law School):
Tuesday 8 November
Launch of Pro Bono Connect: Pro Bono Collaboration between Barristers and Solicitors
The Pro Bono Connect scheme aims to establish a network of barristers and solicitors willing to work together on existing pro bono cases in civil matters for individuals, charities and community groups who cannot afford to pay for legal advice/representation and for whom public or alternative means of funding are not reasonably available.
Introduction: Mr Justice Knowles
Guest speaker: Michael Napier, CBE QC
Speakers include: Jamie Goldsmith (One Essex Court), Robert Hadley (K&L Gates), Anna Boase (One Essex Court), Silvia Farre (DLA Piper)
Venue:Outer Temple Chambers, The Outer Temple, 222 The Strand, London
Time: 8.30am-9.30am
Spaces are limited so please RSVP to
Birmingham Student Pro Bono Conference(organised by BPP and the University of Birmingham)
The theme for the conference is 'Pro Bono: Challenges and Opportunities'
An afternoon of pro bono talks and workshops targeted at law students.
Guest speaker: Joe Egan, Vice President, Law Society
Venue: Shoosmiths, LLP, 2 Colmore Square, 38 Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6BJ
Time: 12.30-17.00
To register, please contact: Linden Thomas (Birmingham Law School) ,
Wednesday 9 November
International Pro Bono: What Works?
The skills, expertise and resources within the UK legal and judicial sector represent an important opportunity for supporting effective and accountable rule of law policies and practices in developing countries. How can this opportunity be maximised, taking account of the considerable challenges and complexities involved?
A panel of experts will consider this question, building on learning to date from the ROLE UK programme, other IPB approaches and experiences, and the wider body of evidence from decades of legal and development programming.
Venue: The Law Society
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
To register please visit:events.lawsociety.org.uk/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabid=37&id=1520&orgId=1
The Great Legal Quiz
The Great Legal Quiz is a national event across England and Wales to raise funds for free legal advice charities. All registered teams compete for the title of ‘Great Legal Quiz Team’ and whichever team scores the highest will claim the title. All funds raised will go to support the work of regional Legal Support Trusts who are supported by the Access to Justice Foundation.
All teams registered will be given quiz questions and a free fundraising pack which includes flyers, posters and other branded items to publicise the event. All you need to do is register your team, find a venue and start fundraising.
Further information on how to participate can be found by visiting:
Friday 11 November
Citizenship Foundation Taster Sessions
Lawyers have a unique set of skills and expertise that can be of immense value to society. Beyond providing pro bono advice, there are numerous opportunities for lawyers to contribute to organisations, projects and initiatives.
With an introduction from the Law Society’s Deputy Vice President, Christina Blacklaws, this interactive breakfast event includes several ‘micro taster sessions’ from a range of charities, so that you can experience first-hand some of the opportunities for lawyers to use their unique expertise to make a difference to society.
Charities represented include:
· Citizenship Foundation – SmartLaw initiative to bring the law to life in the classroom
· SGOSS – School Governors One Stop Shop
· Talking Works – schools-based mediation project
· National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL) – educational visits and trips to legal and heritage buildings in Nottingham, London and Manchester
· Law for Life – the foundation for public legal education
Guest speaker: Christina Blacklaws, Deputy Vice President, Law Society
Venue: Olswang, 90 High Holborn, London
Time: 8.30am-10.00am
To register for this event, please visit: