PRO Bono

Access to legal advice should not depend on the size of your wallet. Pro bono legal services in the UK provide free, professional legal assistance to members of the public who need it most — offered voluntarily by qualified solicitors, barristers, and law firms who give their time and expertise at no charge. Whether you are facing a housing dispute, an employment issue, a family matter, or a problem with benefits, pro bono support can provide the guidance and representation that might otherwise be out of reach. Read more…

What is Pro Bono Legal Advice?

Pro bono — short for the Latin pro bono publico, meaning "for the public good" — refers to legal work carried out free of charge for individuals who cannot afford professional legal fees and who do not qualify for Legal Aid. In the UK, thousands of lawyers across private firms, barristers' chambers, and legal charities voluntarily dedicate a portion of their working time to pro bono cases each year. This work is coordinated through a number of national organisations, most notably Law Works, the Bar Pro Bono Unit (now part of Advocate), and the National Pro Bono Centre, which together act as a bridge between lawyers willing to help and members of the public in need.

Who is it For?

Pro bono services are generally aimed at individuals who fall into a gap — those who earn too much to qualify for Legal Aid, yet cannot realistically afford private legal fees. This might include people on low or fixed incomes, those facing sudden and unexpected legal problems, or individuals dealing with issues that Legal Aid no longer covers following government cuts to the scheme in recent years. Cases involving housing, welfare benefits, employment rights, debt, immigration, and family matters are among the most commonly assisted, though the scope of help available varies depending on the organisation and the lawyers involved.

How to Apply for Pro Bono Help

Applying for pro bono assistance in the UK typically begins with contacting one of the main referral organisations. LawWorks operates a network of free legal clinics across England and Wales where you can attend an appointment and speak with a volunteer solicitor about your situation — many of these clinics are run in partnership with Citizens Advice, law centres, and community organisations. Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit) can match individuals with a barrister who will provide free representation or advice, particularly for those who already have a solicitor but need specialist advocacy. To apply, you will usually need to demonstrate that you cannot afford legal help and that your case has reasonable merit.

What to Expect

Pro bono help can range from a single advice session to full representation in court, depending on the nature of your case and the availability of volunteer lawyers. It is important to understand that pro bono is not a guaranteed right, and lawyers take on cases at their discretion. That said, the quality of advice you receive is held to exactly the same professional standards as paid legal work — pro bono lawyers are fully qualified and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Bar Standards Board. If you are unsure where to start, Citizens Advice remains one of the best first ports of call, as their advisers can help assess your situation and point you toward the most appropriate pro bono or free legal resource for your needs.

We have created a list of providers and contact details, please click here.