I am delighted to be the Patron of the Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales as it returns for the third year. Published annually, the List recognises lawyers who have given 25 hours or more 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 strongly encourage all eligible lawyers to submit their names for the 2026 List.

Solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executives, both in private practice and in-house have a long history of volunteering their time to provide free legal advice and representation to individuals and charities who cannot otherwise pay for help. 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. It is encouraging to see how much pro bono work is being undertaken across England & Wales; yet most lawyers’ individual contributions are unsung, when they should be recognised and celebrated.

I was very pleased to see 4,874 lawyers recognised in the List last year, and look forward to seeing the list grow again this year. I am keen that this initiative continue to recognise all those lawyers who give their time pro bono to help others and make a difference in their community, and look forward to being able to thank all those involved.