Pro Bono in Action: Celebrating Pro Bono Week 2025
Published by
Emily Howells
on
Every November, the legal profession comes together to celebrate the incredible contribution of those who give their time and expertise to help others. Pro Bono Week 2025, running from 3–7 November, is an annual opportunity to recognise the power of pro bono work in improving access to justice and changing lives across the UK.
This year’s theme — Pro Bono in Action — shines a light on the real stories behind pro bono: the people, the partnerships and the positive impact they create. It also highlights how getting involved can benefit both communities and professionals, from developing new skills to strengthening collaboration across the sector.
How to get involved
There are many ways for legal professionals and organisations to take part in Pro Bono Week:
Host an event – Whether an internal discussion or a joint event with others, it’s a great opportunity to share insights and celebrate your pro bono efforts. Event planning guidance is available at probonoweek.org.uk/event-plans.
- Share your stories – Use #ProBonoWeek to highlight your work, celebrate volunteers, or showcase successful projects. The Pro Bono Week media toolkit includes posters, graphics and templates to help spread the word.
- Attend an event – Explore the growing calendar of national activities, including the official launch event at Simmons & Simmons, London, on Monday 3 November from 6.15pm. Speakers include:
- The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC, Attorney General
- Claire Butler (Pro Bono & Social Impact Manager; AGO International Rule of Law Committee)
- Matthew Gingell (General Counsel, Oxygen House; Chair, The Chancery Lane Project)
- Lord Goldsmith KC (London Co-Managing Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton; former Attorney General)
- Nic Hart (London Managing Partner, Duane Morris)
- Hannah Whitehouse (Barrister, Coram Chambers)
You can also get creative and raise dough for good causes by joining the Great Legal Bake, supporting local advice charities while enjoying some healthy competition.
CILEX Members: Pro Bono in Action
Across the country, CILEX members are using their skills, experience and compassion to make a real difference in their communities. From family law to employment, private client work and beyond, their pro bono contributions highlight the breadth of support that legal professionals bring to those most in need.
Susan Nash – Head of Family Department
Susan has spent the past year advising at the ARU Legal Clinic, offering free 30-minute appointments and even taking on certain cases at no cost.
She believes that “it’s important to provide advice and representation to all people, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
Through her commitment, Susan helps ensure that access to justice remains open to those facing family challenges without the means to afford legal representation.
Eric Yung – Barrister-at-Law (Criminal and Civil Litigation)
Eric’s dedication to pro bono extends across continents. In addition to mentoring law students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Manchester Metropolitan University, Eric serves as an International Alumni Ambassador and sits on the CILEX Policy Professional Panel, providing insights on civil and criminal litigation.
For Eric, “Pro bono work is the embodiment of the legal profession’s core duty to serve the public good — ensuring justice is not a privilege of the few.”
His mentoring, advocacy, and policy contributions demonstrate how pro bono work can bridge communities and shape the next generation of legal professionals.
Victoria Herrington – BTC LLM (Nottingham Law School) & CILEX Student
For Victoria, pro bono work has been central to both her personal and professional development.
Specialising in private family law (children) and domestic violence injunctions, she has spent the past eight years providing support to disadvantaged communities, applying her training to deliver legal advice where it’s most needed.
She reflects that “pro bono work is invaluable to society, particularly in the current economic climate. The personal growth and professional development I’ve gained cannot be underestimated.”
Michael Coe – Employment Law and HR Paralegal, CILEX Chartered Paralegal (2025)
Michael has dedicated the past year to supporting whistle-blowers on a pro bono basis — helping those who have exposed wrongdoing in their workplaces and stood up for integrity and fairness.
As part of the first cohort of CILEX Chartered Paralegals, he also serves as a CILEX SRG Adviser for Employment, contributing to discussions on the Employment Rights Bill 2024–2025.
Working with WhistleblowersUK, a not-for-profit organisation championing reform, he explains:
“A fair society and upholding the law is in everyone’s interest. Many people cannot afford access to justice, so it’s vital for professionals like myself to offer pro bono support.”
Ian Hunt – Managing Partner, East Devon Law LLP (Private Client)
At East Devon Law, pro bono work is woven into the firm’s culture.
Ian and his team provide free monthly legal clinics for the Ottery Help Scheme, draft Wills for free in return for donations to a local hospice, and support local charities and hospices through pro bono legal services — including work that has helped raise over £300,000 in charitable funds.
As Ian puts it, “Being able to use our talents and knowledge to help others in difficulty and raise valuable funds for small charities is core to our ethos.”
The firm aims to give back up to 10% of its turnover through donated time and services — a remarkable example of how pro bono work can strengthen communities and enhance confidence in the legal profession.
Celebrating Pro Bono in Action
Pro Bono Week is a reminder of the profession’s shared commitment to access to justice and social responsibility. Every contribution — no matter how small — helps ensure that more people can receive the legal support they need.
These stories reflect just a small part of the invaluable contribution CILEX members make to pro bono work across the UK. Their commitment demonstrates how the legal profession can create real, lasting change — by opening access to justice, supporting local charities, and fostering a culture of giving back.
Follow the conversation at @ProBonoWeekUK and explore ways to get involved at probonoweek.org.uk.