The benefits of going pro

Each year, LawWorks organises the Student Pro Bono Awards, with the endorsement of the attorney general. I was lucky enough to be asked to join the judging panel for 2013’s event.

All of the judges were impressed by the standard of submissions and, without exception, commented on the fact that all the nominees were using their time at university wisely - helping both others and themselves. In fact, we all rather sheepishly confessed that it put our own half-hearted (and self-serving) undergraduate efforts to shame!

One thing that struck us was the sheer variety of schemes and efforts that were put forward for consideration - from your classic law clinics, to schemes that helped those appearing in court, to advising non-English speaking refugees, to researching prominent international human rights cases, and more. Similarly, the level of engagement with external organisations was beyond impressive - many nominees had no qualms about contacting very senior legal figures to ask for their support and advice.

And that leads me on to another point; the experience that the students have gained by being involved with the schemes has helped them to grow enormously. That's the thing about pro bono; it is there to address a very real need in the community (never more so than with the despicable legal aid cuts that are taking place), but it also serves to make its proponents better - better students, better lawyers and better individuals.

On Monday 25 March all the judging culminated with a good-spirited do at the House of Commons. We drank tea and wine, and ate excellent cake (one of the LawCareers.Net team accidentally entered a prohibited zone and had a brief encounter with John Prescott, but we won’t go into that here…). Of course, what it was really about was celebrating the many achievements of those shortlisted and, ultimately, clapping loudly for the winners.

The schemes we read about and assessed are just the tip if an ever-expanding pro bono iceberg, and the great thing about that is that there is no excuse for not getting involved in some level. So well done to all those nominated; you are an inspiration, not just to your fellow students, and those yet to come, but to a panel of four jaded judges!

For a full list of the nominees and winners, visit LawWorks' website.