US/UK firm Dechert last week appointed a full-time pro bono partner, based in London.

Suzanne Turner, a consultant with the firm for two years, was appointed as a salaried partner to supervise Dechert's firm-wide pro bono practice in Europe and the US.

Her target is to raise the profile of pro bono within the firm as well as outside it.

Ms Turner said: 'My new role makes a statement about the importance of pro bono work to the firm.

It is being treated as a practice area, with the same level of attention and excellence.

'In the past we have tended to be reactive, waiting for referrals to come in.

Now we want to target certain areas - such as human trafficking - and make it known to the relevant community that we want to have a real impact.'

Ms Turner said she had received 'incredibly strong support' from the firm's global partnership.

The creation of her role was approved by a partner vote.

She added: 'Pro bono is certainly newer here than it is in the US, and the gaps created by legal aid are growing rapidly.'

Though based initially in London, she may transfer to the US or elsewhere in the future.

Last year, Dechert lawyers provided more than 32,000 hours of pro bono legal services.