Young solicitors and lawyers are being encouraged to gain experience of acting pro bono this month in a bid to boost volunteering work across the capital.

The month-long programme, organised by the London Young Lawyers Group (LYLG) and which begins today, will help solicitors with up to seven years' PQE as well as students gain volunteering experience helping those who cannot afford access to justice.

Volunteers will join one of five partner clinics. They are: Legal Advice Centre (University House) in Bethnal Green, South West London Law Centre, Temple Legal Centre, Toynbee Hall and Waterloo Legal Advice Service.

Volunteers will shadow pro bono advisers offering advice on housing, debt, education, employment, domestic violence, family law and small claims.

The LYLG said specialist knowledge of the law is not required for every clinic and that volunteers will be working alongside experienced volunteers to develop their skills.

The programme will be launched tonight at the London office of international firm Herbert Smith Freehills.

The LYLG said: ‘We not only hope that campaign volunteers will make a real difference to projects across the capital throughout the month, but to inspire long-term volunteering relationships.’