The Law Society of England and Wales closed out 2026’s Pro Bono Week with an event marking the 10th anniversary of its Pro Bono Charter, recognising solicitors’ provision of free legal advice and assistance.
The charter anniversary event – which coincided with the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week, which ended last Friday – also featured a keynote address from Solicitor General Andy Slaughter KC MP, a welcome speech from Law Society chief executive Ian Jeffery and a panel discussion led by Law Society president Brett Dixon.
The charter encourages solicitors, law firms and in-house lawyers to recognise, support and promote pro bono work across the profession.
Dixon said: “Pro bono legal support demonstrates the legal profession’s commitment to serving the public and supporting those most in need.”
He added: “Every day, solicitors help people navigate complex legal problems, understand their rights and secure support that might otherwise be out of reach.”
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP, recognising Pro Bono Week’s 25th anniversary, said the charter’s existence reflected how “lawyers, year after year, choose to give their time and skill to people who would otherwise have nowhere to turn”.
She added: “Pro bono is a remarkable expression of public service, and one this government is proud to support. Thank you to every solicitor, barrister and law student who gives their time, this week and every week.”
Law firm Travers Smith was among those recognised at the event for its pro bono contributions, having supported law reform charity JUSTICE with pro bono research.
Lucy Jay, a consultant at Travers Smith, said: “We supported JUSTICE with research into safeguards around the strip-searching of children, an issue that came into sharp public focus following the Child Q case and subsequent findings by the Children’s Commissioner.”
She added: “Our research exposed the scale of the problem, revealed the inadequacy of existing safeguards and helped to shape credible solutions.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to an area where meaningful reform is urgently needed.”
Travers Smith managing partner Edmund Reed said: “We are honoured that our work with JUSTICE has been recognised at this event. This is just one of many important initiatives driven by our pro bono practice, and a particular shout-out must go to our outstanding pro bono partner, Sam Cottman.”
Reed said Cottman’s leadership enabled Travers to support chosen causes and communities, carefully considering each project, “ensuring our lawyers apply their particular skills where they are needed most and deliver maximum impact”.
“Our pro bono practice is integral to who we are as a firm,” Reed said.
Reed also linked pro bono work to recruitment: “We are immensely proud that so many of our lawyers embrace the opportunity to get stuck into our pro bono initiatives, and it is a testament to our culture that our practice is consistently cited as a key reason why people choose to build their careers at Travers Smith.”
The celebrations took place, however, amid renewed concerns about legal aid. Speaking at the launch of Pro Bono Week, Law Society president Brett Dixon reminded ministers that pro bono services were not a substitute for a properly funded legal aid system.
A separate House of Commons Justice Committee report published during the week also described the legal aid system as being in “managed decline”.
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