The Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee is excited to announce that submissions are now open for the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales, started on the 13th January. Following the success of its inaugural year, which saw over 3,750 solicitors and barristers take part in 2024, the initiative has expanded to include chartered legal executives, SRA-registered foreign lawyers, and registered European lawyers. This expansion highlights the List’s commitment to recognizing the pro bono contributions from all sectors of the legal profession.
The Pro Bono Recognition List is open to lawyers who have given 25 or more hours of pro bono legal assistance in the past year. With support from its patron, The Lady Chief Justice of England & Wales, Baroness Sue Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, the List acknowledges lawyers’ pro bono efforts, whether through individual efforts or participation in formal pro bono schemes.
Solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives, registered European lawyers, and foreign lawyers who were practicing as of 31 December 2024 are eligible to submit their names. The deadline for submissions is 7th March 2024, and multiple submissions from law firms, chambers, or corporations are encouraged. Barristers can submit their details throughout the year via Advocate.
Set up under the sponsorship of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee, with the support of the Law Society, Bar Council, CILEX and all major pro bono legal organisations, the Recognition List aims to shine a light on the individual lawyers at organisations of all sizes who are at the heart of providing pro bono across the jurisdiction.
Commenting on the success of the initiative’s first year, The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, said: “I was very pleased to see over 3,750 lawyers recognised in the inaugural List last year, and look forward to seeing the list grow this year with the extended eligibility. I am keen that this initiative continue to recognise all those lawyers who give their time pro bono to help others and make a difference in their community. I strongly encourage all solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives and registered foreign/European lawyers who have provided 25 hours or more of legal pro bono over the last year to submit their names to the Recognition List, so that their pro bono commitment can be seen alongside others in the profession.”
In a statement of support for the Recognition List, Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society, said: “The Pro Bono Recognition List honours the lawyers who volunteer their time and expertise to help those who cannot afford legal representation. Pro bono plays a vital role in providing access to justice for people and organisations who would otherwise not be able to get legal help. This year, the Recognition List has expanded and is now open to all solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives, registered European lawyers and registered foreign lawyers across England and Wales, whether in private practice or in house. The Law Society is looking forward to celebrating the commitment of the legal profession to continue providing pro bono help to those in need.”
The Bar Council is proud to support the Pro Bono Recognition List, celebrating those in the legal sector who give their time to help others. Recognising the important role pro bono work has, Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC said at her inaugural address: “Despite the cuts across the civil justice system, barristers have continued to step up and plug the gaps wherever possible. Pro bono work exemplifies the very best of us. The cost of living crisis has driven demand for pro bono…but the system must not rely on that goodwill.”
On the expansion of eligibility of the list, Yanthé Richardson, President of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, commented: “The expansion of eligibility for the Pro Bono Recognition List is a significant and welcome step forward. By including Chartered Legal Executives, as well as other practitioners, the list acknowledges the vital contributions made by a broader spectrum of the legal profession. Pro bono work is a cornerstone of access to justice, and this initiative highlights the dedication of those who provide invaluable support to those in need. CILEX is proud to support this effort and celebrate the positive impact of pro bono work across our community.”
On behalf of the Attorney General’s Committee, Chair of the Steering Group, Toby Brown added: “With the continued support of the Lady Chief Justice, professional bodies and national pro bono organisations, the return of this initiative for a second year reflects the sector’s shared goal that all lawyers should be recognised for their pro bono commitment.”
In addition to the Lady Chief Justice, the list of organisations supporting the initiative includes the Access to Justice Foundation, Advocate, A4ID, the Bar Council, CILEX, the Clinical Legal Education Organisation, the In-House Pro Bono Group, International Lawyers Project, the Law Society, the Law Officers, LawWorks, the National Pro Bono Centre and TrustLaw.