The legal profession’s pro bono efforts are to be celebrated this week with virtual events across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Now in its 19th year, Pro Bono Week will take place during 2-6 November and will recognise the voluntary contribution made by lawyers across the UK in giving free legal advice to those in need.

The event’s website says this year’s theme is ‘Pro Bono: Through the pandemic and beyond’ and that it will ‘explore the role of pro bono in light of the pandemic’.

Law Society president David Greene said: ‘As the world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, the vulnerable in society need the support of legal professionals more than ever.

‘While pro bono work is rightly lauded, it must never be viewed as a substitute for legal aid. It is vital that the justice system and legal aid are properly funded and resourced by the government so that lawyers aren’t required to work for free.’

Greene will be a panellist at an event looking at the use of technology in pro bono.

Toby Brown, chair of the planning committee, added: ‘In this year of unprecedented challenges, for both the voluntary and legal sectors, the role of pro bono legal assistance has never been more important.’

An official launch event will take place on Monday evening, with panel speakers from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, each exploring the role of pro bono through the pandemic and how we can build on the understanding gained this year. Several events will be taking place throughout the week.