15 November 2007
Pro bono work by law students at home and abroad enhances their legal education as well as bringing massive benefits for the public at large.
Pro bono work by law students at home and abroad enhances their legal education as well as bringing massive benefits for the public at large, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice will say today..
Speaking at the Lord Mayor's Reception in London to mark National Pro Bono Week, Ms Prentice will say their effort complements that provided by experienced lawyers and makes a real and significant difference in the lives of many people.
Research carried out for the Ministry of Justice shows the scale of pro bono work in the UK is immense. Last year alone, 18 per cent of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) members did pro bono work worth around £4.4 million.
Ms Prentice will say:
Pro bono work is a hugely valuable part of ensuring access to justice, both in the UK and internationally. It obviously improves the lives of those receiving advice, many of whom would not have access to such convenient help and support, but it also brings advantages for the people volunteering their time and effort.
Pro bono work doesn't replace publicly funded legal help for those who cannot afford to pay, but adds to the work done by the Government. It's important because it helps people who would otherwise have struggled to get legal representation and so provides vital assistance in getting justice.
Ms Prentice will also pay tribute to the new Legal Services Act which allows pro bono clients who win their cases to claim costs and for the costs to be distributed to the community.
The new Legal Services Act, for which we've worked so hard, enables for the first time costs to be awarded in cases where representation has been provided free of charge. The costs awarded will then go a charitable body that will distribute the funds to voluntary organisations that provide free legal support to the community.
The money will provide welcome funds to this sector, which relies on people's goodwill, to carry out what is a worthwhile cause that will enrich the society we live in.
Notes to Editors
1. National Pro Bono Week runs from 12 to 17 November 2007 and comprises events across the country celebrating the range and impact of pro bono activity undertaken by solicitors, barristers and legal executives.2. In its sixth year, it focuses particularly on the contribution of law students as well as international pro bono activity.
3. A summary of the research conducted by both the Ministry of Justice and ILEX is available upon request. It will be published in full, later this year.
4. Any further media enquiries on this news release should be directed to Kathryn Montague at the Ministry of Justice press office on 020 7210 1397.
ENDS