The Law Society in the UK has compiled a pro bono toolkit for law firms, to support and encourage the provision of pro bono legal services through organised pro bono programmes.
The toolkit came about following a series of regional roundtables, where firms expressed an interest in organising their pro bono work in a less ad hoc style. Law firms asked the Society to produce guidance on how to set up and sustain pro bono programmes, and the toolkit was created to meet those requests.
It is considered that the move from ad hoc to organised pro bono programmes helps firms to manage the level of their pro bono commitment, track and record it, provide greater opportunities to their solicitors, and target and meet the needs of their local communities.
Through a mixture of advice, top tips, case studies and contact information, the toolkit aims to assist law firms wishing to establish, develop or expand their pro bono practices. It will also be of value to individuals and organisations seeking resources and ideas about pro bono legal work. The toolkit was developed in conjunction with a number of solicitors' firms, in order to ensure it met the needs and realities of pro bono work within a corporate firm.
The toolkit was launched as part of the 14th annual National Pro Bono Week in the UK that aims to celebrate the breadth and impact of pro bono work undertaken by the legal profession across the year.
Click here to download the toolkit.