Last year, Pro Bono Week saw 68 events take place across the UK, with an estimated 5,000 attendees in person and online, and hundreds of social media posts highlighting the positive impact of pro bono.
For firms, chambers and legal departments planning to hold events, there are three suggested themes for this year— changing lives through pro bono; maximising the impact of pro bono; and pro bono within ESG: from climate to sustainable development.
The week is the perfect time to thank your pro bono volunteers, celebrate a lawyer’s pro bono achievements or showcase a particular pro bono project on social media, using the hastag #ProBonoWeek.
For the latest updates follow @ProBonoWeekUK on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn. For help planning an event visit probonoweek.org.uk/event-plans.
Toolkits and resources such as posters are available at probonoweek.org.uk/media-resources.
Those wishing to attend pro bono events can find details and schedules nearer the time at probonoweek.org.uk/events.
Pro bono work is, of course, closely associated with free legal advice centres and legal charities. One charity that supports such advice centres in London and the South East is the London Legal Support Trust (LLST), the organiser of the annual London Legal Walk. In the coming months the LLST will be co-ordinating a range of fundraising activities.
During Pro Bono Week, channel the spirits of Dame Prue, Paul, Alison and Noel in the BBC’s Great British Bake Off big tent and head to the kitchen for the LLST’s Great Legal Bake from 6-10 November. Since the Great Legal Bake started in 2013, an incredible £165,000 has been raised by cakes, buns, pies and tortes. To take part, sign up at londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk website and they will send you all posters, tips and cake labels that you need.
Alternatively, Walk the Thames on Saturday, 14 October—a half or full walking marathon along the river Thames. Start at 9am from Tower Bridge and walk the whole marathon to Hampton Court or stop halfway in Putney. If you prefer, join in with the walkers at Putney and walk the second leg to Hampton Court. Lord Justice Haddon-Cave will be running the whole way—keep pace with the lycra-clad judge if you can or enjoy a slower pace and proceed at a gentle stroll. Sir Peter Gross will be leading the walkers from Putney. Sign up atlondonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk.
If brains are more you thing, then show off your smarts at the Great Legal Quiz on 29 November. Compete with friends, colleagues and also the legal community at large—the Great Legal Quiz is part of a wider national competition with a coveted trophy for the winner. The questions are based on general knowledge and trivia, provided by the LLST. All you need is a venue such as your office or a nearby meeting spot. Register to host your own Great Legal Quiz at londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk.
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