Junior lawyers fear pro bono work is suffering in the economic downturn

Date Published: 18-06-2009

Junior lawyers fear pro bono work is suffering in the economic downturn

Almost 60 per cent of junior lawyers believe pro bono work is suffering in the recession despite a greater need for free legal services, according to a poll by the Law Society’s Junior Lawyers Division (JLD).

Of the 213 respondents who took part in the online poll 58 per cent believed pro bono work carried out by solicitors would suffer during the recession.

However, with a greater demand for pro bono legal advice in relation to debt, employment and other finance related matters, the JLD is urging the profession to step forward and become involved in pro bono initiatives.

Kevin Poulter, JLD Committee member and chair of the JLD Pro Bono Awards, says:

"Pro bono support is a lifeline for people who simply cannot afford to pay for professional services and do not qualify for legal aid. Lawyers have a solid history of putting something back into the community and I hope the current economic climate does not deter the legal profession from continuing to participate in pro bono work, as the need is greater now than ever.

“For some lawyers there are not enough hours in the day to find the time to add pro bono to their workload, but where possible we urge junior lawyers to take part in these initiatives.”

Double Benefit

The JLD says that a commitment to pro bono work has a double benefit for junior solicitors.

Kevin Poulter says: “Pro bono work not only has the ultimate benefit of providing essential legal support to the community, it also gives junior solicitors an added edge to their experience.

“For lawyers out of work or having training contracts deferred pro bono is a good way to keep their legal skills and knowledge polished and a provides opportunity to meet other lawyers of all degrees of seniority.

“At a time when all recruitment, not only in the legal sector, is limited, standing out when seeking employment is vital. Adding pro bono to your bow will not hurt junior lawyers' career prospects.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Launched in January 2008 for junior lawyers across England and Wales, the JLD is a division of the Law Society with an independent voice. This division represents all student members of the Law Society enrolled through the Solicitors Regulation Authority, trainees, and solicitors with up to five years' active PQE.

The deadline for entry to the 11th JLD Pro Bono Awards is September 11.