Since 1997, the awards have recognised the bar’s pro bono contributions. They commend individuals and chambers for their dedication to providing pro bono services, widening access to justice for people across England and Wales.
This year, there are nine categories:
- Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year, sponsored by Place Campbell
- Junior Pro Bono Barrister of the Year, sponsored by Westgate Wealth Management
- Pro Bono KC of the Year, sponsored by Hewetson & Co
- International Pro Bono Barrister of the Year
- Pro Bono Chambers’ Professional of the Year, sponsored by the Legal Practice Management Association
- Pro Bono Chambers of the Year, sponsored by ABC Chambers Solutions LLP
- Lifetime Achievement in Pro Bono, the Sydney Elland Goldsmith Award
- Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year
- John Collins Pro Bono Excellence Award
And the judges are:
- Sam Townend KC, chair of the Bar Council
- Julie Bishop, director of Law Centres Network
- The Secret Barrister
- Amrit Dhanoa, chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee
- Lady Carr, the Lady Chief Justice
- Heidi Stonecliffe KC, chair of the Employed Barristers’ Committee
- Geoffrey Carr, chair of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks
- Will Tolcher, global bar editor at The Legal 500
- Jemma Tagg, co-chair of the Legal Practice Management Association
- Clare Bello, co-chair of the Legal Practice Management Association
- Samantha Singer, co-chair of the Bar Council Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Group
- Laurie Scher, co-chair of the Bar Council Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Group
- Jason Pitter KC, leader of the North Eastern Circuit
- Lord Goldsmith KC, founder of Advocate
- Sheila Collins, the widow of the late John Collins
This is the biggest year so far for the awards, with more than 100 nominations received in total, which can all be seen on Advocate’s website.
Advocate is a charity that finds free legal assistance from volunteer barristers across England and Wales. It matches members of the public who need free legal help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases to those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay.
The awards, which are invitation-only, will take place on Wednesday, 8 May, at Middle Temple Hall in London.
