As lawyers prepare for Pro Bono Week (6-10 November), Bar Chair Nick Vineall KC offers his own personal take on the difference pro bono can make, in this week’s NLJ. Both lawyer and client benefit from the experience. Vineall recalls his first ever cross-examination, conducted pro bono for a client referred via the Free Representation Unit
Pro bono representation does not just benefit beginner lawyers, of course, but is a continuing theme throughout the career of many lawyers and has played an enormous role in reversing serious miscarriages of justice as well as helping many people at difficult stages in their lives. And, as Vineall writes, ‘Pro bono is of benefit to barristers at any stage, from silk down to second six’.
While Vineall praises the contribution of pro bono legal work, however, he reminds NLJ readers that it should never be seen as a substitute for legal aid.
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