A message from The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill

I am delighted to welcome the publication of the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales, of which I am Patron. Now in its second year, the List recognises solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives and registered foreign/European lawyers both in private practice and in-house who provided pro bono legal assistance over the last year. The initiative is supported by the Law Society, the Bar Council, CILEX and all the major pro bono organisations under the aegis of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every lawyer who appears on the Recognition List. Each has provided at least 25 hours of legal pro bono last year, with many offering substantially more than that. Those lawyers follow the long tradition of the legal profession in volunteering their time to provide free legal assistance to individuals and charities. I am particularly pleased to see that a number of lawyers appear for the second time, having been recognised on last year’s inaugural List, demonstrating their continued commitment to pro bono causes.

Pro bono is not a substitute for legal aid, but it is a valuable part of our system of justice, working alongside the advice sector. The judiciary sees first-hand how pro bono advice and representation helps those who might not otherwise receive legal assistance. I hope that recognition on the List encourages the legal profession to continue its commitment to providing pro bono help to those in need.