Embedding pro bono activity as a junior lawyer

In celebration of Pro Bono Week 2024, our office in Newcastle hosted the 3rd North East Pro Bono Summit, held by North East Pro Bono Committee in October.

The event celebrated pro bono efforts in the North East, highlighted the importance of free legal representation, and discussed ways in which individuals can embed pro bono activities into their careers and organisations. During the event, Sally Dallow, Partner Lead for Responsible Business, delivered an inspiring call for collective action in the region to make things better in our communities.

Also part of this event, Tess Dupont and Abigail Langstaff shared their insights on getting involved in pro bono as a trainee and solicitor apprentice, as well as explaining how other junior members of the team can participate.

Their insights highlighted the opportunity to broaden their skills, work with others across the business including cross-departments, and help with knowledge sharing throughout the firm , as well as working with new clients and being involved in the full life cycle of a matter from initial meetings with the client, including learning about their business, to completion of the work. Tess explained that “Trainees and junior lawyers are at a pivotal point in their legal journey and are therefore well-placed to gain a great deal from working on pro bono matters, both through the learning and development opportunities provided from such work and client interactions, and through the personal fulfilment that working for pro bono clients provides.”

Abigail added that “cross-departmental work can greatly contribute to a solicitor apprentice, or junior lawyer's, pre-qualification experience, helping gain insight into the work of other teams, while being able to dedicate quality time to learning, without financial and time-recording pressures."