National Pro Bono Week 2020 goes virtual

updated on 03 November 2020

Virtual events taking place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will celebrate the legal profession’s pro bono efforts as Pro Bono Week enters its 19th year.

This year’s National Pro Bono Week (2-6 November) is set to “explore the role of pro bono in light of the pandemic” and recognise the voluntary contributions of lawyers across the UK.

Law Society president David Greene, who will be a panellist at an event exploring the use of tech in pro bono, said: “As the world deals with the covid-19 pandemic, the vulnerable in society need the support of legal professionals more than ever.

“While pro bono work is rightly lauded, it must never be viewed as a substitute for legal aid. It is vital that the justice system and legal aid are properly funded and resourced by the government so that lawyers aren’t required to work for free.”

Chair of the planning committee, Toby Brown said: “In this year of unprecedented challenges, for both the voluntary and legal sectors, the role of pro bono legal assistance has never been more important.”

A number of events will take place throughout the week.