Pro bono activities across the UK legal sector celebrated

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The Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee has published its 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List, which highlighted the work of 4,780 lawyers. Now in its second year, the list celebrates lawyers who have given 25 or more hours of pro bono legal assistance over the previous calendar year.

Almost 4,000 solicitors were featured on the list, alongside 617 barristers. In addition, 2,846 of these lawyers were listed for the first time. The list also included 55 registered foreign lawyers, two registered European lawyers and 137 chartered legal executives, which were new categories in this year’s publication.

This year’s list saw an increase of almost a third (30%) in the number of barristers featured, from 476 in 2024 to 617 in 2025. There was also a 21% increase in the number of solicitors, from 3,284 in 2024 to 3,969 in 2025.

One pro bono initiative highlighted was a national law firm’s support of West Sussex based charity Ten Little Toes, which supports families with children in crisis. The firm assisted the charity in acquiring a new lease, which enabled it to open new premises and provide more for families in the local community.

Commenting on the publication of the list, its patron The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr stated: “I am particularly pleased to see that a number of lawyers appear for the second time, having been recognised on last year’s inaugural list, showing their continued commitment to pro bono.

“The judiciary sees first-hand the importance of pro bono advice and representation in assisting those who might not otherwise receive legal help. I hope that recognition on the List encourages the legal profession to continue its commitment to providing pro bono help to those in need.”

President of the Law Society Richard Atkinson commented: “We are pleased to welcome the publication of the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List.

“Everyone has the right to access justice and although pro bono benefits those most in need, it cannot be a substitute for legal aid. There has been a significant increase in solicitors working pro bono this past year and whilst it can truly change lives, pro bono can never replace a properly funded justice system.”

If you’re interested in getting involved in pro bono, check out the pro bono initiatives listed on LawCareers.Net.