Outstanding achievement in legal pro bono was celebrated this week at the LawWorks Annual Pro Bono Awards and Lecture  hosted and supported by the Law Society. The awards recognise and celebrate excellence in legal pro bono undertaken by organisations and individuals, and the dedication and commitment of the legal sector to have a positive impact on individuals and communities.

The evening was hosted by Paddy O’Connell, presenter of Radio 4’s ‘Broadcasting House’. Guests from across the pro bono, advice and legal aid sectors were welcomed by Christina Blacklaws, vice-president of the Law Society and Alasdair Douglas, Chair of LawWorks and James Harper, executive sponsor, rule of law and CSR at Lexis Nexis UK.

Winners were chosen in nine categories representing the breadth and range of pro bono delivery across the profession in England and Wales. Michael Napier QC was honoured with an award for outstanding commitment to pro bono which was presented by the solicitor-general, Robert Buckland QC MP.

Hilarie Bass, president of the American Bar Association (ABA), delivered the annual lecture, warning of a growing justice gap in both the UK and US, and the importance of pro bono as a shared commitment to equal justice under the law.