Features: Pro bono work

Pro bono offers the chance to make a difference while gaining valuable experience and developing the skills required for any credible legal CV

Pro bono work is the delivery of free legal services and information to those who would otherwise be unable to afford the help they need and who do not qualify for Legal Aid.

Sasha Nicoletti is clinics and students project officer at LawWorks, one of the leading pro bono charities in the UK. She explains that the provision of free legal advice has never been more imperative and is set to become even more important in light of cuts to Legal Aid.

'The economic downturn has meant that more and more people are in need of legal advice, but limited funding for free legal advice services has resulted in those people finding it extremely difficult to get the necessary legal support.'

The activities that students can get involved in are wide-ranging and there is a greater need for pro bono representation in certain areas including housing, debt and employment law.

Areas of work

While you are unlikely to find yourself offering legal advice immediately, there is something for everyone and every CV. From working as a receptionist at a local Citizens Advice Bureau , to being trained as an adviser or working under supervision in a free legal advice clinic.

The types of pro bono work which students can take part in at law school can be split into four distinct areas.

• free legal advice clinics set up by law schools;
• Streetlaw - legal education workshops for community groups;
• formal pro bono placements;
• miscarriage of justice and the Innocence Project.

Initial introductions

Outside of the main areas of pro bono work on offer at law schools there are other ways to get involved. The LawWorks  website lists current volunteering opportunities as well as a list of ideas of organisations students might like to try.

'When approaching any organisation it is important to make your position clear. Explain what you have to offer (for example, what stage you are at in your legal education and any previous work experience) and how long you are able to work for. Often it's about getting that initial introduction and using that as an opportunity to secure some work-shadowing or helping with legal research further down the line,' says Sasha.

Reap the benefits

Whether you volunteer through your law school or decide to go it alone the benefits of pro bono work are numerous.

'Some students do it because they appreciate how much pro bono work adds to their CV, while others see it as an opportunity to practice their legal skills,' says Sasha. 'The important thing to remember about pro bono work, whether you are a law student or a qualified lawyer, is that as long as you are engaged in the project and do a good job, you will be helping people while practising key legal skills.

'Pro bono work can also add to your legal learning in the classroom. Law can sometimes be very conceptual so being involved in pro bono work allows you to put legal theory into context. Working on subjects relevant to your studies in your spare time is a great way of improving your exam marks, while adding another dimension to your learning.'

Free Representation Unit

Another option for students interested in pro bono work is volunteering with the Free Representation Unit  in London. The FRU represents clients who are not eligible for Legal Aid and cannot otherwise afford legal help.

Volunteer representatives provide help through the provision of advice, case preparation and representation in employment, social security, child support and criminal injuries cases.

Students in the final year of an LLB course, or those who have started a CPE/GDL, LLM, LPC or BPTC are eligible to volunteer for social security work with the FRU. For employment work you must have started a CPE/GDL, LLM, LPC or BPTC.