Attorney-General unveils protocol that sets out key elements of pro bono work

CONFERENCE: Lord Goldsmith announces law schools project and the creation of Web site

A protocol that sets out the core values of pro bono and aims to act as a best practice guide for solicitors was launched by the Attorney-General last week.

Speaking at the Solicitors Pro Bono Group (SPBG) annual conference as the chairman of the national pro bono coordinating committee, Attorney-General Lord Goldsmith also announced a project to encourage law schools to promote pro bono work, and the establishment of a national pro bono Web site.

He said: 'Pro bono challenges the perception that lawyers only care for their fees - and this committee, with its concrete, practical measures to extend the reach and raise the profile of pro bono, is leading the way.'

The pro bono protocol was produced by the SPBG in association with the Bar Pro Bono Unit, and gives a definition of what pro bono legal work is and how it should be done.

It also encourages lawyers to do pro bono work through organisations, and stresses that unqualified lawyers must be properly supervised.

The committee's second aim for the next year, the law schools project, will see pro bono options incorporated into law courses and structured support provided for extra-curricular pro bono activities, such as funding for law clinics.

Michael Napier, senior partner of national firm Irwin Mitchell and the Attorney-General's pro bono envoy, said the Web site was being developed for launch during national pro bono week in June.

'The Web site will act as a signpost and a forum for pro bono providers across the country,' he said.

'There is currently no efficient way of monitoring the pattern of providers and the extent of unmet need, but we hope that the Web site will fill that gap.'

Elsewhere at the conference, Esther Lardent, president of the US-based Pro Bono Institute, said that pro bono had become part of the legal culture in the US.

'Because the state offers hardly any legal aid help, lawyers working pro bono is the norm, and firms invest heavily in their pro bono infrastructure.'

Victoria MacCallum