PILI is pleased to announce that the first European Pro Bono Award was bestowed upon Lord Andrew Phillips of Sudbury, a leader in advancing pro bono work in the UK and throughout Europe, at the fourth annual European Pro Bono Forum on 19 November. Solicitor, Life Peer and member of the upper house of parliament, Phillips seized the opportunity in accepting the award to motivate lawyers attending the Paris Forum to take on more pro bono work as part of their privileged position in society.
PILI created the European Pro Bono Award to recognize extraordinary contributions to advancing pro bono culture throughout Europe in the pursuit of justice for all. Lord Phillips founded the law firm Bates, Wells & Braithwaite, has been at the forefront in helping to ensure that more firms take on volunteer legal work to improve the lives of the less fortunate and established three national charities, including the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (now LawWorks), which provides free legal help to individuals and organizations.
For more coverage of the award ceremony and Phillips' remarks, please click here.
The Public Interest Law Institute looks forward to presenting the next European Pro Bono Award at the 2011 European Pro Bono Forum, which will be held in Berlin. For more coverage and photos from the Forum in Paris, visit PILI's Facebook page here.