Legal pro bono

We believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation, but we recognize that this is not always feasible. We have a long tradition of providing pro bono assistance and recognise that our lawyers find it personally rewarding as well as professionally broadening and stimulating.

We operate a number of projects in support of a diverse range of individuals and community groups. These include staffing a local law centre Herbert Smith helped to establish in 2000, advice for litigants-in-person at the Royal Courts of Justice Citizens Advice Bureau, advocacy for individuals appealing to the employment tribunal and families with children who have special educational needs appealing against their local educational authority.

Our human rights activities include being members of the panel of firms supporting individuals in the Caribbean appealing against death sentences at the Privy Council in London, their last court of appeal, and seconding a trainee to work at Liberty – the UK’s leading human rights organisation.

We are a founding member of the UK charity LawWorks (formerly Solicitors Pro Bono Group).

In addition to our pro bono work, we provide funding to a number of legal charities, lectureships, chairs, and prizes. We also support annual public lectures in association with Liberty, the British Institute of International and Comparative Law and the Public Law Project. Further, we provide funding to a number of legal charities, lectureships, chairs, and prizes.  

For more information on our legal volunteering programme see our corporate website.