Pro bono work as a student | law careers

Fast forward two years, and after having been involved in the ‘Street Law’ pro-bono group at my university, running it in my final year, I am now a great advocator of pro-bono involvement at all levels.

But why should you care about pro-bono? And what does this term ‘pro-bono’ even mean? I’m going to attempt to shed some light on pro-bono as a concept, with reference to some of my experiences and hopefully answering any questions that you may have, because pro-bono really is much more than just a CV booster, and I’m going to tell you why.

What is pro-bono?

Pro-bono is the shortened Latin term for ‘pro-bono publico’, meaning ‘for the public good’. Lawyers and law students therefore give up their time on a voluntary basis for people needing legal assistance but who may not be in the position to obtain the necessary support.

However, not all pro-bono groups are directed towards those seeking legal advice. For example, the Street Law project that I was involved in targeted school children from the age of 8-16, attempting to give insight into the law with the aim of raising aspirations as well as increasing knowledge about the law in broader terms.

So, pro-bono projects differ greatly with regards to what they can offer to both the volunteer and those that can benefit from the project. There is definitely something available for everyone if you wish to get involved with pro-bono, or perhaps even set up your own group.

Why get involved with pro-bono?

Personal benefits…

The personal benefits that come from being involved with pro-bono are both extensive and varied. From my own experience, I would say that group involvement definitely tests and strengthens your team work skills; leadership skills can also be developed if you become involved in the organisation and co-ordination of projects.

Greater personal confidence can also be achieved by interaction with people from all sectors of society. Other necessary and useful skills such as negotiation, advocacy and public speaking can also be developed with involvement in pro-bono. For example if you become involved with Fru (the Free Representation Unit) then advocacy skills can be readily demonstrated and honed. On another level, involvement with pro-bono can prove a welcome change from academic work, whilst still being a worthwhile way to use your spare time.

Career benefits…

The career benefits that come from being involved with pro-bono brings are widespread. As mentioned above, the wide range of skills that you may develop and perfect can really benefit to you in your future career. In the current economic climate with competition for training contracts and pupillage keener than ever this kind of involvement may set you aside from others as being a more exceptional candidate.

Also, at present there are more people in need of legal assistance and the ability to pay for legal help is becoming increasingly difficult for many. Pro-bono involvement can be a great way to ‘show case’ your expertise in the area of law that you wish to enter, as well as to provide a useful service to those that may need it.

If you are in the position to choose a pro-bono project that you wish to become involved with, then you could base your decision on the area of law and practice that you are most interested in and may wish to enter into in the future. For example, if you are interested in human rights, then you could become involved in schemes such as the ‘Innocence Project’, where you may be able to represent and litigate for the wrongfully convicted.

All of these extra skills can improve your chances of securing training contracts or pupillage. If you have demonstrated and evidenced your commitment and interest in the law by becoming involved with pro-bono, especially if it is relevant to your choice of firm or chamber then this will come through at any interviews. Hopefully this will then impress those wanting to employ such applicants.

The growing importance of pro-bono…

Over recent years the importance of pro-bono work has been increased. The LawWorks (the working name for the Solicitors Pro-Bono Unit) pro-bono awards for practitioners and students (details of which can be seen on their website) identify and acknowledge those that have contributed.

LawWorks has a vast amount of law firms that are involved with pro-bono, showing how seriously pro-bono is viewed within leading firms. Looking to those at the Bar, barristers also give their time to attempt to achieve access to justice for those in need, and the Bar Pro Bono Unit co-ordinates those willing to do so.

Therefore, lawyers from all sectors of practice recognise the importance of pro-bono. As a student wanting to enter into a legal career, demonstrating that you have been involved with the law on a voluntary level, even before qualification, can only be seen to be commendable.

Sameena Manzar

Graduate LLB from the University of East Anglia

30-09-2009