A team of solicitors who provide free legal advice to members of the community have been named in the first ever Pro Bono Recognition List.
Laura Pinkney, Mathew Game, Katie Smith, Charis Wong and Megan Shirley from NLS Legal, Nottingham Law School’s award-winning teaching law firm, have all secured a place on the list, which recognises barristers and solicitors who gave 25 hours or more pro bono legal assistance over the last year.
The initiative is endorsed by The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales and supported by the Law Society, the Bar Council and major pro bono organisations.
The small team of experienced lawyers at NLS Legal supervise hundreds of Nottingham Law School students in assisting people with a range of legal matters including employment, family, housing, business, civil litigation, intellectual property, special educational needs and disability, welfare benefits and victims’ rights.
So far, financial awards totalling more than £6 million have been secured for clients.
The firm also delivers public legal education sessions each year to raise awareness of legal rights and responsibilities.
Head of NLS Legal, Laura Pinkney, said: “As a not-for-profit law firm we provide a valuable resource to the local community by offering free legal advice in a range of areas. Our inclusion in this list demonstrates the dedication of the whole team to providing access to justice for people who are unable to afford, or otherwise access, legal services.”
A message from The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, on release of the inaugural list said: “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.”
