Community and pro bono work

Our members are committed to offering their time to further access to justice. Many of our members conduct cases pro bono through Advocate (formerly known as the Bar Pro Bono Unit). Through Advocate, members of the public can obtain legal advice and representation at court without charge from barristers on a direct access basis. Some of our members also made the “25 for 25: The Pro Bono Challenge” pledge in 2022 and “The Pro Bono Pledge” in 2023 which both involved pledging to undertake at least 25 hours of pro bono work in the respective year. Our members are recognised for their pro bono work and we are pleased that Emilia Carslaw has been nominated for the award of Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year at the Bar Pro Bono Awards 2024.

Many of our members also contribute to the CLIPS scheme established by the Chancery Bar Association, which allows those making or defending applications in the Applications Court in the Business & Property Courts in London and the Central London County Court to obtain representation on the day of their application free of charge. This service is available without any prior appointment.

In 2024, chambers offered work placement opportunities to local secondary students aged between 15 and 16 in order for them to gain insight into life in a chambers from the perspective of our staff and clerks.

Our members and staff individually and collectively raise significant amounts of money for charities, whether they be legal charities or charities with other objectives. For many years, chambers has contributed on an annual basis to the private client law dinner in aid of St Christopher’s Hospice.

Our members also conduct volunteering work in other capacities such as:

  • trustee of a charity promoting legal education, including for those of disadvantaged backgrounds
  • trustee of a charity which promotes the conservation of art and culture
  • member of a committee of an organisation fighting for cleaner water in our rivers and lakes
  • school governors
  • a school parent help
  • neighbourhood watch coordinator
  • e-commerce volunteer for a hospice.