Shoosmiths is committed to encouraging its legal advisers to undertake pro bono legal advice throughout their careers.
Our definition of pro bono is that used by the Law Society and Bar Council namely 'legal advice or representation provided by lawyers in the public interest including to individuals, charities and community groups who cannot afford to pay for that advice or representation, and where public and alternative means of funding are not available.'
Legal advice provision for our clients on a pro bono basis is aligned with our vision to be the leading law firm in the UK famous for its client experience and our ESG vision to be the leading law firm in the UK famous for its positive contribution to society.
Our approach to pro bono and the professional standards applied is underpinned by a number of initiatives of which we subscribe to and abide by the requirements of:
- Solicitors Regulation Authority Code of Conduct Mandatory Principles
- Joint Protocol for Pro Bono Legal Work
- Law Society Pro Bono Charter
- United Nations Global Compact
- The UK Collaborative Plan for Pro Bono
Our provision of legal advice on a pro bono basis helps individuals and organisations to understand their rights and gain access to justice. It can also help communities become stronger and more resilient.
We also believe it benefits our legal advisers in helping them to use their talents and passion to make a positive difference in the communities in which we operate.
Our approach in considering, accepting and undertaking specific requests for pro bono work must follow our client inception procedures including assessing actual or potential conflicts of interest and availability of appropriate expertise, resourcing capacity and time constraints.
Date: 23 August 2022
Signed: David Jackson, Chief Executive