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 inaugural Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales, of which I am Patron. The List recognises barristers and solicitors who gave 25 hours or more pro bono legal assistance over the last year. The initiative is supported by the Law Society, the Bar Council and all the major pro bono organisations under the aegis of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee.

I take this opportunity to thank each and every solicitor and barrister 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.

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.