Pro Bono Week 2024

Jess Thomas | Senior Pro Bono Lawyer

"As lawyers we possess unique and valuable skills sets. It's an honour that we can use those skills to create a positive social impact for those who otherwise couldn't afford to pay."

Jess leads our Pro Bono practice in the UK, managing of our pro bono programme, driving its strategy and undertaking pro bono case work. 

Jess works with a range of non-profit organisations and charities to develop, facilitate and deliver pro bono assistance, advice and representation. Her work focuses on securing access to justice within our communities while aligning with the firm’s Responsible Business strategy.

Elizabeth Montpetit | Partner

"A relatively small number of pro bono hours required to work on a benefits appeal case can lead to a life-changing outcome for the appellant – a small contribution by a lawyer can go a long way to improving someone's life."

Elizabeth volunteers with University House to assist individuals in their disability benefit appeals through the Department of Work and Pensions. She has successfully obtained thousands of pounds of backdated benefits payments for individuals with a number of complex needs. Through her time and commitment, Elizabeth has made sure some of the most vulnerable in our society have access to funds that will assist them in carrying out the most basic of daily activities.

Rich Miles | Associate

"Giving back through legal expertise allows me to support those who may not have access to the necessary resources and to make a tangible difference to people's lives. It is extremely rewarding to witness the positive change this can bring."

As a trainee, Rich was an active committee member for the City Community Legal Advice Centre. His efforts enabled us and our lawyers to host regular legal advice clinics for members of the local community who were otherwise unable to pay for legal assistance. Now qualified, Rich volunteers for our disability benefit appeals project with University House – continuing to provide access to justice to those most in need.

Shaanil Senarath-Dassanayake | Associate

"Pro bono work is a humbling and eye-opening experience. As lawyers, we are in an incredibly privileged position and should strive to give back to those that are not as fortunate."

Shaanil works with University House to assist individuals with applications for exceptional case funding.  The project specifically aids individuals in the midst of child arrangement order proceedings – one of the many areas from which legal aid funding was cut in the last decade. Through her work, Shaanil helps parents with limited means and additional needs with their applications for legal aid funding. A successful application will mean that a parent has legal assistance when navigating the complex world of family law, and ultimately better prospects of maintaining contact with their child.

Will Catlow | Trainee Solicitor

"Working on the CityCLAC Committee and volunteering and the clinic session have been great for my development as a trainee, and its incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we make in the community."

Will currently leads our trainee committee for City University's City Community Legal Advice Centre (City CLAC). His efforts contribute to the ongoing running of the general legal advice clinic for individuals in our community with limited means.  

Will also spearheads a new Social Housing Disrepair Clinic which is run in conjunction with City. This clinic was launched in 2023 in response to the growing problem of poor housing conditions in the UK. Through this specialist clinic, Will supports members of the public in council or housing association properties who are facing housing disrepair issues, aiding some of the most vulnerable in our society.