The Evolution of the

Annual Review 2016 We are the Bar Pro Bono Unit.

Every day all over England and Wales people find themselves in need of legal help. They might be at risk of losing their Contents home or other crucial support. They might have lost their job 2...... Welcome or contact with their children. They might be the victim of 3...... Then and Now unscrupulous conduct. 4-7...... Celebrating 20 Years

8-9...... Where We Work We are the charity of the Bar of England and Wales. We 10-11...... How We Help believe everyone has a right to meaningful access to the 12-13...... Pro Bono Award Winners justice system. Where we can we aim to help those who will 14-15...... 2016 Projects & Fundraising not get that access otherwise. We match volunteer 16...... The Future to provide the expert advice or advocacy needed in situations that cry out for that type of legal help. 17...... Thank You th 18-19...... 20 Birthday Wishes

There is no charge. Those helped do not have the means to pay 20...... The Team for advice or representation. Yet publicly funded help through legal aid is not available to them.

We do not provide a substitute for the legal aid system. Pro bono legal work is and can only ever be an adjunct to a properly funded legal aid system.

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“The Unit will provide a vital service in ensuring that individuals get effective access to Court” 1996 In 1996 we started with an administrator Welcome working 3 days a week from a small office Then at 7 Gray’s Inn Square. The number of Twenty years ago the Bar Pro Bono Unit was a room, a table, legal services, because legal matters are just too important cases received was around 30 per month. some chairs, a phone, a part-time administrator, a hands-on in people’s lives to leave people without help. But still many management committee and our first 300 volunteer barristers. do have to go without advice or representation. It has always been recognised by all, and it remains true, that pro bono is no But Peter Goldsmith had started something so important. substitute for a properly funded legal aid system; it never can Those 300 volunteer barristers have now grown to almost be. 4,000. Today more than half the Bar helps support the operational cost of the Unit. And in the years in between As the courts and tribunals digitise, so too the Unit - as its 20th 350 110 we have welcomed many more to the pro bono community birthday present to itself and all who work with it - is taking 250 cases including the Pro Bono Group (LawWorks), the CILEX the opportunity to modernise its systems. With an intuitive volunteer Pro Bono Trust, the National Pro Bono Centre, the Access online application form the Unit aims to ease some burden on applications barristers on 1 matched to Justice Foundation, the Legal Support Trusts, the Legal front line agencies, better manage expectations about what received our panel part time staff Education Foundation, the Litigant in Person Support Strategy, the Unit may or may not be able to provide to those seeking and more. All committed to the public interest in striving to help, and free up some administrative time so that pro bono is member secure legal help for those without means and unable to get easier for its volunteer barristers to undertake. legal aid. We hope that with this anniversary annual review you will see The Unit has enabled thousands of barristers to help with the development of the Unit and the role you have played. over 20,000 applications received by the Unit in the past We are so very grateful for all you have done. It remains more Today we are the only pro bono charity to provide access 20 years, whether as a reviewing or offering free important than ever. to legal assistance in every area of law in all courts and tribunals. We receive cases from over 700 referral agencies Now from across England and Wales.

Sir Robin Knowles CBE Jess Campbell Chairman Chief Executive 2,169 applications 13 received 3,749 staff 848 volunteer barristers members cases on our panel matched

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“Many thanks and may the Unit continue to assist people who are in need.” 1997 “The most gratifying part has been that it has made a real difference to the gentleman concerned; his gratitude is plainly heartfelt.” 1998 Celebrating 1998 - 2000 2005 Mr and Mrs Peters* were seeking to adopt a Romanian Thomas* aged 4 had been in foster care since birth. child whom they had brought to the UK in 1994 for His father was unknown, and his mother unable 20 years of the medical treatment when the Home Office intervened to care for him because of her drug addiction. His in the proceedings. Ineligible for legal aid, the clients grandmother, Mrs Adams*, had previously applied Bar Pro Bono Unit sought representation through the Unit for a 5 day for a residence order for Thomas, and had been hearing. Counsel acted for more than two weeks as the rejected as a potential carer by social services. A complex nature of the case prolonged the hearing. This barrister from the Unit advised Mrs Adams and was a landmark case in which the Judge issued guidelines represented her at trial. The court found that she for the future conduct of inter-country adoptions. was a suitable carer and granted a residence order in her favour, so that Thomas was able to live permanently with his grandmother.

*These are true stories but names have been changed to protect identities.

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

In February 1996 a group The First Bar Pro Bono Unit assisted Bar Council became Bar in the Community National Pro Bono Pro Bono Protocol was Over 870 applications Number of volunteer The Unit and FRU of barristers led by Peter Award (Sydney Elland Northern Irish Bar one of the Unit’s (BiC) sister charity Week was born as developed jointly by for help were received, barristers rose to 1,560 helped those affected Goldsmith QC agreed to Goldsmith Award) was with enhancing its core funders launched collaboration between the Unit and LawWorks, with the Unit giving by the London bombings constitute itself as the presented and the pro bono scheme solicitors, barristers, under the auspices of assistance in just over a by providing free legal Management Committee of Solicitors Pro Bono Group legal executives and the Attorney General’s quarter of them, a total assistance to those who a “Bar pro bono” project (now “LawWorks”) was the voluntary sector Committee of 222 cases needed it established

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“Without professional representation of the client who was ineligible for legal aid, there was a risk of a grave injustice being done.” 1999 “The barrister acted in a remarkable professional and caring way from day one until eventually the matter was finalised.” 2000 2007 2015 At a family day organised by a local sports club 8 year old James* fell from a tractor ride and suffered permanent brain damage. The Environmental Health Office prosecuted the sports club for criminal breaches of health and safety legislation. The club pleaded guilty and received a £20,000 fine. “In 2015 I found myself battling serious health The family sued the sports club for damages and, despite its guilty plea in the criminal courts, it denied civil liability. It also issued issues and mounting debt due to an unfair a counterclaim against the parents. judgement against me. I was in desperate need Two Unit barristers took on the case. The club abandoned the claim and paid the parents the costs they had incurred before the of legal help with contesting the validity of this Unit’s involvement. The club submitted to judgement in the son’s action and made an interim payment to him of £50,000. judgement. The Unit provided me with a volunteer Alison Padfield and Katie Gollop: “This was a perfect case for the Unit: deserving clients who had been refused public funding barrister who assisted with my case on multiple and whom solicitors would not represent under a CFA because they were defending themselves – rather than bringing a claim for occasions. Without the time dedicated by the team compensation. The Unit’s involvement brought matters to a swift conclusion and left the parents free to concentrate on their son and barrister, people in my position would never and their other children” get the chance for fairness of justice and I am Mr Middleton*: “Without the assistance of the Unit, particularly the help of Katie and Alison, we would never have achieved the thankful for the help they provided me.” outcome that we have. The result of this is life changing and will benefit the whole family, so we can now start rebuilding our lives.”

*These are true stories but names have been changed to protect identities.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2 011 2012 2013 2014 2015

A new case-handling Joined in the 3rd London Began working much Friends in Law launched 75.9% of cases Future lawyers 135 referrals received £30 Initiative was Number of volunteer Two additional database and a new Legal Walk more closely with clerks and the first pro bono placed through nationwide took part from MPs and £40,000 introduced by Chairman barristers rose to caseworkers joined website launched to to identify appropriate costs orders obtained emails or telephone in the Law School raised at Sandi Toksvig- of the Bar Council, 3,500, including a third the Unit to tackle the increase access to Counsel for Unit cases under the Access to calls to clerks Challenge and raised hosted quiz night Michael Todd QC, asking of QCs 30% year on year the Unit Justice Act 2009 more than £5,000 all barristers to donate increase in applications £30 when renewing since 2012 practising certificates

6 7 7 “The assistance of barristers, through the Bar Pro Bono Unit, has been vital for many applicants whose claims might otherwise have failed.” 2001 “Giving my time to assist those who would otherwise not be able to afford legal representation has always felt like the right thing to do.” 2002 Where We Work NORTH EAST 2016 Sources of Referrals to the Unit 183 120 Panel Members 33% 16% 12% 11% 10% 7% 6% 3% 1% Key Applications MIDLANDS Received MP Advice 110 203 Citizens Bureau scheme Law Centre Law Clinics NORTH Advice Agency Litigant in Person Other organisation/ Barrister / Chambers 147 10 29% LONDON 2016 Areas of Law of Applications

WALES & 2968 13% 10% 9% CHESTER 8% 7% 6% 5% 809 5% 4% 37 51 2% 1%

SOUTH 147 10 73 594 WEST Family Other Media Public Housing EAST Admin & Chancery Criminal Immigration Commercial PI and Torts Employment Real Property 8 9

“The barrister was incredibly helpful and supportive” 2003 “This has been most revealing and rewarding: an experience I would not have had if it had not been for Bar in the Community.” 2004 On the Origin of Applications 3. Difficulties on Theory 2. Laws of Variation The case is then sent to a senior barrister to be reviewed. If rejected, the applicant is told The Unit is an why. If accepted, the Unit lets the applicant know and starts searching for a barrister. Application is logged and papers are checked application-based I have been a reviewer for the Bar Pro Bono Unit almost since its inception. Over the years, and with service which can be Working at the Unit has provided an invaluable insight into the everyday legal ” ” savage cuts in legal aid, the numbers seeking legal assistance have increased exponentially. For accessed via referral disputes of ordinary people and offered a welcome contrast with corporate and many, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged, the Unit offers a crucial lifeline, without from advice agencies, commercial law. The opportunity to assist the most vulnerable people in our which the courts would struggle to achieve any kind of true justice. law centres, solicitors or society with their often tragic and complex legal predicaments has also ” your local MP. proven eye-opening and heart-warming.” Barbara Connolly QC, Unit reviewer, 7BR David Shipton, Unit volunteer, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Chambers where at least three barristers review cases for the Unit include: Thank you to this year’s interns: Katherine Germaine Harriet 1 Garden Court Anna Kenny Isabella Laura Krishan Chola 1 Hare Court Goldsmith Chambers 1. Struggle for Existence Janet Morgan Christopher Buncy Alexis Lawrence 11KBW Hardwicke

Ellie Leah Elicia Gabriele Sephora 25 Bedford Row Lamb Building Sarah Natacha Application arrives at the Unit Harry Michelle Olivia Miné 4 Landmark Chambers

Cassandra Sejuti from a front line agency Jeremy Elizabeth Becky Charlotte Ramsha 9 Park Place Radcliffe Chambers 4. Natural Selection Zander Brick Court Chambers South Square Caitlin Sophia Hamza

GinevraZara Fatima Cloisters The 36 Group As a legal centre fighting for the rights of vulnerable MeshaalSara Volunteer barrister considers the papers ” Bryn Paul children and young people, we are so fortunate to be Hannah and accepts the case. If they cannot assist, able to turn to the Unit to help some of those affected Anmol James Prachiti Danial they return the papers to the Unit which then by legal aid not being made available for representation Antoinette resumes the search for a volunteer barrister. at hearings. Thank you so much for your hard work! ” Thanks also to volunteers from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP; David, Anna, Oliver, Nandap. Noel Arnold, Director of Legal Practice, ”Undertaking cases for the Unit has given me exposure Coram Children’s Legal Centre to a number of different courts and tribunals, from the Social Entitlement Chamber to the Court of Appeal. It is also really satisfying to be able to provide valuable assistance to a litigant Some referral agencies we work with: with a meritorious case who would otherwise be unrepresented.” Surrey Law Centre Manchester Free Legal Help Anthony Lenanton, Unit panel member, Hundreds of MPs Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau Temple Garden Chambers British Polio Fellowship Personal Support Unit Hertsmere CAB Waltham Forest CAB

10 11 5 Pro bono support “will be remembered by the person you have helped with much gratitude” 2005 “Without the Unit, the initial decision against myself would have left my family devastated and despairing” 2006 2016 “John stands out for his exceptionally longstanding commitment to pro bono and the Bar Pro Bono Unit. It is clear John that John’s commitment to pro bono and access to justice is felt keenly by his colleagues, and he has become a great Our Pro Collins ambassador for the Unit and pro bono generally.” Lord Peter Goldsmith QC, President, Bar Pro Bono Unit “He has established a legacy in chambers, not just for being an incredibly bright and able barrister but as someone who Bono Award is incredibly kind, gives his time to help others and encourages the rest of us to do the same.” Winners Helen Rutherford, Zenith Chambers “It’s been a busy pro bono year since I won the award. In March I addressed the Supreme Court of Kenya in 2015 a challenge to the constitutionality of the mandatory Joseph death penalty and subsequently, against the backdrop 2013 2014 of that case, the President of Kenya commuted the Middleton 2010 “I generally take on complex cases from the 2011 Monika death sentences of everyone on death row (nearly Unit, with vulnerable clients. Clients regularly 2012 Sarah Maria Shereener 3,000 prisoners). Closer to home I’m reviewing the tell me that I provide them with a voice, when Sobiecki Scotland Alison Hannett use of suspicionless search powers for the Metropolitan Browne previously they felt they were shouting into Gurden Police and exploring arcane details of the Immigration empty darkness. That’s what makes the days, Rules in a Unit case in the Court of Appeal.” late evenings and weekends I spend working pro bono very worthwhile.”

2009 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 John Michael Access to Andrew Andy Keir Guy Horan Starmer Fordham Justice in Walker Hall QC Opperman Afghanistan QC QC

“As an immigration specialist, it is a huge privilege to represent “Pro bono work has always been 1997 refugees pro bono over the 1999 2001 an important part of my work at the 2002 years. My clients have included 1998 2000 Judith Simon Bar. I am a member of UNHCR’s pro Samantha journalists, human rights defenders Owen Doughty 2000 Philippa bono counsel panel and have acted Knights Farbey QC and artists imprisoned for their Street Daniel Michael in a number of test cases instructed Davies QC Chambers Page political beliefs. Of course, this Leader by them. I am a reviewer for the sort of work would not be possible Unit and have acted in a number of without the dedication of the cases before the Court of Appeal solicitors, junior counsel and NGOs for Unit applicants.” who work on the cases with me.”

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“Through the Unit, lives are changed for people who would otherwise struggle to represent themselves” 2007 “One phone call to a signed-up panel member has sometimes been all it has taken to find assistance for an applicant in desperate need.” 2008 Key Projects from 2016 Fundraising

Litigant in Person PRO BONO CONNECT Successes Support Strategy The Pro Bono Connect Scheme launched, creating Almost 420 a network of barristers and solicitors willing to miles across The Litigant in Person Support Strategy combines the strength work together on pro bono cases in civil matters for country cycled of four funded charities (LawWorks, Law for Life, PSU and RCJ individuals, charities and community groups. The Unit £4,000 by CEO Advice) with the Unit and the Access to Justice Foundation. The proactively encourages Chambers not yet signed up raised by winning result of this last year was that at least some help was provided to participate in the scheme and signposts barristers Law School to 1.3 million people, with that help ranging from information undertaking Unit pro bono cases to the scheme if they Challenge team to representation. The Ministry of Justice is a partner and require a solicitor. The scheme is currently limited making a crucial funding contribution. As a recent example, to the following areas of law: Commercial, Chancery, the strategy helped Norfolk Community Law Service ensure a Common law, Public law and Tax cases. broader range of people, in a further geographical area, receive help. The LIPSS also began its work on a centralised website More than intended for organisations supporting litigants in person. This took a central position at the Civil Justice Council’s 5th National The Permission to Forum on Access to Justice for Litigants in Person, which also Appeal Court of 50% discussed a collaborative long term strategic framework for 852 of the Bar further improving support to Litigants in Person. donated Appeal Scheme walkers for BPBU In order to take an appeal to the Court of Appeal, in the London people first need to gain permission to appeal. This Legal Walk BAR IN THE COMMUNITY involves making a written application and sometimes a Bar in the Community launched a new website in 2016, making verbal application in a hearing at the Court of Appeal. it easier for charities to find legally qualified trustees to join The Permission to Appeal Court of Appeal Scheme their boards. The new website allows charities to submit details supports those going through this process, with pro 1 of trusteeship vacancies directly online, rather than having to bono legal advice and representation from solicitors marathon runner download, complete and return a form to the Unit. A new digital and barristers. Winning ‘Most Effective Pro Bono 2 map allows legal professionals to find organisations looking Partnership’ at the LawWorks Awards 2016, the scheme Chambers raised money through for assistance near them and to filter trusteeship vacancies by is a collaboration between RCJ Advice, the Bar Pro Bono £1,000 pub quizzes area of interest. Since its launch in November, there has been a Unit and the Personal Support Unit. raised by 1 Crown Office Row’s The noticeable uplift in the number of barristers expressing interest Inquest Book in the trusteeship vacancies advertised on the website. 9 6 colour runners ran Christmas trees entered into #thelawyerxmastreewars

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“I have met with nothing other than the utmost kindness, understanding and courtesy. I now understand a little bit more than I did.” 2009 “Thank you so very much – this means the world to me.” 2010 Plans for the Future With Thanks To In order to achieve our objective of being more accessible and efficient for our applicants The barristers on our panel who volunteer their time to assist so many people and volunteers, and to digitise the Unit in line with the Civil Courts Structure Review, 2016 The clerks, practice managers and chambers staff who help find volunteer barristers was spent planning and making internal changes to the Unit to prepare for the future. The reviewing barristers who review every application the Unit receives throughout the year All our amazing staff, interns & volunteers The idea for a new casework process and IT system began in 2015 and in 2016 the Unit implemented for change. This was aided by the introduction of a centralised database Core funders accessible by all caseworkers and in September 2016 the casework team gained two Platinum Friends additional caseworkers as part of the Justice First Fellowship funded by the Legal Friends in Law in Law Education Foundation. The General Council of the Bar The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn 1 Crown Office Row 12KBW These changes will allow the Unit to better engage with the Bar as both our and The Honourable Society of the 5RB court reforms take place and we all face new challenges. As the Bar continues its The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn 11KBW Devereux Chambers pro bono work the Unit will be in a stronger position to maintain its high standards The Honourable Society of the South Square Keating Chambers set over 20 years in dealing with requests for pro bono assistance. 3 Verulam Buildings Financial support How you can be involved The 8,297 barristers, including 85% of QCs, who donated £30 each when renewing their annual practising certificate in 2016 The Employment Lawyers Association The Access to Justice Foundation Bar Squared The Legal Education Foundation The Commercial Bar Association TAKE A CASE! GET WALKING! London Legal Support Trust The Chancery Bar Association Join our panel of volunteer barristers and give In 2016 86 Chambers joined the something back by taking a case pro bono. The London Legal Walk to support the Bar Chambers demand for pro bono representation is still Pro Bono Unit as well as organisations funded QEB 6KBW College Hill outstripping supply and we are unable to place all by the London Legal Support Trust. Thanks also go to our longstanding and new individual supporters 4 Absolute Barrister accepted cases. Taking a pro bono case can also help for their generous financial contributions Selborne Chambers you; the Bar Council Wellbeing Portal notes that If your Chambers has not walked the 10km Landmark Chambers ‘helping others makes us feel good and reciprocity London Legal Walk before, make 2017 your year also drives long term self-reported wellbeing’. Join and sign up online to join over 100,000 walkers In Kind Support the panel at [email protected]. from across the legal sector. Gabrielle Morley Creative Anderson McKenzie Consulting Ltd for pro bono IT support for design DX Network Services Ltd for pro bono DX services Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP for seconded staff Imagine enabling people to have access to justice for years to come. Place Campbell Chartered Accountants for payroll and accountancy services HAVE A John Good Group for If 2017 is the year you write a will, please remember the Bar Pro Bono Unit. The Institute of Barristers’ Clerks for their ongoing support printing services LASTING The for their ongoing support A gift of 1% will make a real difference. Find more information on making a will The Legal Practice Management Association for their ongoing support and leaving a gift to a charity at www.rememberacharity.org.uk. IMPACT Trinity Chambers, Zenith Chambers, St John’s Buildings, St Philips Chambers, Atkin Chambers, Lovesome Hill Farm B&B, Bassetwood Farm B&B, Murcott Mill B&B and Wingbury Courtyard B&B for hosting our intrepid CEO on her nationwide cycle challenge

16 17 5 “Thank you ever so much for being there during a very difficult time. I couldn’t have handled the court appearances on my own.” 2011 “You have helped me out of your kindness when I have been going through the most difficult time of my life.” 2012 Robert Bourns Lord Peter Goldsmith QC, Duncan McCombe Sir Terence Etherton, President, Law Society President, Bar Pro Bono Unit Chairman, Young Master of the Rolls Nick Gallagher Barristers’ Committee CEO, PSU 20th Birthday Wishes “When I was Chairman of the Bar it “Given the increased number “For 20 years, vulnerable members became increasingly apparent to me of litigants in person since of society have been able to turn “Happy Birthday to the Bar “It is wonderful to see how many people needed the legal cuts to legal aid, pro bono to the Bar Pro Bono Unit for legal Pro Bono Unit! Pro bono is barristers providing free help services of barristers but were unable barristers who take on cases Nick Hill, Chairman, Martin Barnes help in times of need. On behalf an important part of the to people who can neither to afford them. Thinking about how through the Unit play a key Institute of Barristers Clerks CEO, LawWorks of the Law Society I would like to practice of the vast majority pay nor get legal aid. The Bar to devise a solution led me to create role in ensuring access to congratulate and thank all those of young barristers and the Pro Bono Unit has done great the Bar Pro Bono Unit in 1996. I have justice for many. Within the “I am delighted to uphold the Institute of “The Bar Pro Bono Unit deserves who have voluntarily contributed Unit’s work is invaluable work in bringing structure been enormously proud of the way Court of Appeal I have been Barristers’ Clerks’ long association with the Bar congratulations and a big thank you their time and expertise to the unit in ensuring that the Young to these efforts. This means the Bar has responded to this. There fortunate to see the impact Pro Bono Unit. The Unit does great work and the for its important and inspiring work since 1996. The contribution made Bar’s limited pro bono that more of the pro bono have been striking examples of pro bono barristers made IBC has been, and will remain, a firm supporter. in enabling and supporting access by barristers, solicitors and others resources are focused where work carried out by the Bar generous assistance and there have on the administration of We were delighted to welcome Jess Campbell as to justice. Well done to all the staff, is really important and we look they are needed most: on is effectively targeted and been important cases which needed justice. I look forward to the a keynote speaker at our conference in November. trustees and the very many dedicated forward to continuing to work with the most meritorious cases coordinated. Happy Birthday, help. I hope pro bono and the Bar Pro continuation of the Court of The IBC will continue to assist in any way it can.” pro bono volunteers who have given you long into the future to improve for the most vulnerable and thanks, from the PSU.” Bono Unit will continue going for a Appeal pro bono scheme.” their valuable time and expertise.” access to justice for all.” clients.” long time to come.”

Anthony Lord Peter Andrew Nick Lord Martin Guy Robert Duncan Rebecca Sir Terence Lorna Nick Zacaroli Ibi Adelaja Goldsmith Langdon Hill Thomas Barnes Beringer Bourns McCombe Heald Etherton Reid Gallagher QC QC QC

Rebecca Heald, Anthony Zacaroli QC Lord Thomas, Guy Beringer, Chairman, Ibi Adelaja, Andrew Langdon QC Lorna Reid Management Committee member Lord Chief Justice The Legal Education Foundation Unit staff member Unit applicant Chairman-elect, Bar Council CEO, FRU “The Unit team has grown incredibly “Congratulations to the Bar Pro “The Bar Pro Bono Unit is deeply “We congratulate the Unit on its “Happy 20th Birthday to the Bar Pro Bono Unit “My pro bono “Happy twentieth Birthday to the Bar over the last 20 years. In 2007, Bono Unit on its first twenty years! appreciated by the judiciary of England 20th anniversary. It has grown from us all at the Free Representation Unit. barrister gave Pro Bono Unit - twenty years of giving when I started working here, the The help given to thousands over and Wales, as are its volunteer barristers from a fledgling organisation Effective pro bono work not only comes from the me the voice people a chance to put their best foot casework team was three dedicated that time has been made possible who continue to dedicate their time into an established, reliable generosity of time and resources of those who I desperately forward. Reading the gratitude on individuals. That has expanded to a by the dedication of the many to pro bono cases. I greatly value the and important part of the pro undertake it but from the organisation of it. This needed.” your ‘Wall of Happiness’, from both team of 10 caseworkers supported generations of the Unit’s hard- efforts of the Unit to become more bono world. The Legal Education is work that is often unseen but is nonetheless the givers and the recipients, not only by amazing interns. The willingness working staff. As applicant numbers accessible and more user-friendly by Foundation looks forward to essential to the co-ordination of those in need gladdens the heart but articulates the of barristers to assist those who need rise, the need for the Unit is as moving its application process online; working with the Unit in the of legal advice and representation and those reasons why this work is so important, access to justice never ceases to be great as ever, playing a vital role in this kind of change is in keeping with future and to seeing it continue who can meet that need. We are proud to work and why the Bar Council should appreciated by us all. Happy 20th facilitating access to justice.” the work being done across the justice to provide access to justice to alongside the Bar Pro Bono Unit and look forward continue to support it. Here’s to the Birthday Bar Pro Bono Unit!” system and the wider legal sector. those who most need it.” to many more years to come.” Happy twentieth birthday to the Unit!” next eighty years!”

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“The words of the Bar are ”do right, fear no one”. To sign up to the Bar Pro Bono Unit is most definitely to do right.” 2013 “Thanks to your organisation I have been spared injustice and financial ruination.” 2014 Key Staff Contacts

Chief Executive The Jess Campbell Head of Fundraising and Communications Team Mary Dobson Head of Casework Management Emily MacLoud Committee Caseworkers Sir Robin Knowles CBE, Chairman Naima Asif Philip Brook Smith QC Harriet Dudbridge Chris Broom Lauren Graham Ann Buxton Andrew Lingard Amy Pertwee Nick Hanning Sajid Suleman Andrew Hillier QC Dhriti Suresh Eapen Jane Rayson Diane Sechi IT Manager Sharif Shivji Rebecca Heald Michael Todd QC Volunteer and Administration Coordinator Antony Zacaroli QC Stacey Lamb

Fundraising and Events Coordinator Jonathan Magill

The Commercial Bar Association is proud to support the Bar Pro Bono Unit

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“Without the Bar Pro Bono Unit people in my position would never get the chance for fairness or justice.” 2015 One applicant told us this year that thanks to pro bono support his “children have a happier, healthier and richer future. Thank you for making lives better”

Website: www.barprobono.org.uk Twitter: @barprobonounit

Registered Charity Number: 1057620