The UK has a “well-developed and supportive ecosystem for pro bono”, according to the TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono, a global pro bono survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
The Index found growing enthusiasm for pro bono work, with many firms including it in lawyers’ billable hours targets. In-house lawyers, whose indemnity insurance typically does not cover pro bono work, are finding ways around this barrier, for example, by collaborating with law firms on joint projects.
In England and Wales, fee earners devoted an average of 21.6 hours to pro bono in the past year. Partners at law firms also showed commitment, dedicating an average of 12.6 hours to pro bono work. More than 40% of partners in England and Wales did some pro bono work last year.
Law firms in Asia are boosting their output, with an unprecedented 40% rise year-on-year in pro bono hours performed since 2014. Globally, more than four out of five law firms consider immigration and asylum law to be a key focus area.
