Rallying call to wannabe lawyers as National Pro Bono Week draws to a close
Two prominent pro bono organisations have launched a fundraising challenge to help support the vital legal work they undertake.
As part of the 15th Annual National Pro Bono Week, London-based legal charities LawWorks and the Bar Pro Bono Unit have called upon students to help raise some much needed cash.
Both organisations match members of the public who need legal advice with solicitors and barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise free of charge.
The service they provide has come under increasing strain in recent years since the introduction of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. The act — which came into force in 2013 — has left many unable to afford legal representation.
Students at universities, law schools, colleges and sixth forms are encouraged to get their creative juices flowing and think of unique and interesting ways to get members of the public to part with their hard-earned money. Previous fundraising activities include mock trials (which obviously counts as revision), cake bakes and sky diving.
And like any good competition there is a host of prizes up for grabs. These include everything from a 3-course slap-up lunch with partners at a top city firm to an invite to a glitzy awards ceremony held at the House of Commons.
Keen to get involved? More information about how can be found here.