A badge of the Bar’s integrity
In 2023, Sir Robin Knowles, High Court judge and then chairman of the charity Advocate said, 'whether you are at the start of this profession or you are at the top of it, pro bono is part of being a barrister'. It is, he said, 'a badge of the Bar’s integrity and a sign of its commitment to the public and the public interest, which should be a source of pride in our profession'.
Part of our system of justice
The Lady Chief Justice, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, when announcing the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List published in April, stated: "Pro bono is not a substitute for legal aid, but it is a valuable part of our system of justice, working alongside the advice sector. The judiciary sees first-hand how pro bono advice and representation helps those who might not otherwise receive legal assistance. I hope that recognition on the List encourages the legal profession to continue its commitment to providing pro bono help to those in need.”
Of the 4,780 individuals recognised in the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List, just 617 were barristers - a 30% increase compared to the previous year. According to the Bar Standards Board Statistics for 2024, there are over 18,000 practising barristers.
It is appreciated that many more barristers will be doing pro bono work through organisations and charities other than Advocate and have not sought recognition. However, the figures [just over 3%] do suggest the Bar could be doing much more to help those most in need who have no access or ability to pay for representation and who Advocate assist day by day in their search to find a willing volunteer barrister.
I would encourage all barristers to sign up to Advocate and if your chambers does not already have one to appoint a Pro Bono Champion - small actions which make a real difference. Pro Bono Champions ensure chambers are given access to relevant opportunities to assist those in need of advice and representation.
Advocate's Chambers Pro Bono Framework is in its third year, offering chambers an infrastructure for pro bono. Last month, Advocate published the Framework Report highlighting the work completed by participating chambers. Forty sets have already signed up for 2025. There are 403 chambers with more than one practising barrister.
Something for every stage of the career
Advocate’s Mentoring Scheme, Collaborate – provides opportunities for the junior and senior Bar as well as Advocate’s scheme of Reviewing . Both schemes are particularly useful for those looking to apply for silk or the judiciary and as a way of demonstrating the necessary competencies.
Advocates recognition initiative, The Pro Bono Pledge – enables barristers who are taking on pro bono work through Advocate to receive a logo for their email signature or chambers website in celebration of this work.
64 pupil barristers have signed up to Advocate's Pupil Pledge which encourages pupils to do one piece of pro bono work in their second six, helping people in need whilst gaining valuable advocacy experience. Pupils can take part by completing pro bono work through any pro bono scheme, clinic, or charity - not just through Advocate.
The current level of demand for pro bono advice and representation in all areas of law is unprecedented and in particular in the areas of family law, housing and employment.
Please, if you are reading this as a member of the legal profession or a clerk in chambers, take a moment to think how pro bono can become a part of your practice and the work of your chambers or organisation. Every hour of pro bono work undertaken supports the profession's commitment to the public interest.