Bar Pro Bono Awards: winners

The winners are:

• Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year: Tinessa Kaur of 4BB Chambers

• Junior Pro Bono Barrister of the Year: Jake Rudman of Hatton Chambers and Jennifer MacLeod of Brick Court Chambers (joint winners)

• Pro Bono KC of the Year: Samantha Hillas KC of St John’s Buildings

• International Pro Bono Barrister of the year: Haydee Dijkstal of 33 Bedford Row

• Pro Bono Chambers’ Professional of the Year: Mark Ronson of Kings Chambers

• Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year: Dads House

• John Collins Pro Bono Excellence Award: Joseph Sinclair of Mountford Chambers

• Pro Bono Chambers of the Year Award: 4PB

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 was 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, as well as the list of judges.

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.

Bar Council chair Sam Townend KC, on the judging panel, said: ‘The brilliant award ceremony was fantastically well attended. This reflects the support that the bar gives to the important work of Advocate in achieving access to justice for thousands each year.’

The awards took place on 8 May at Middle Temple Hall, London.