Pro Bono & Volunteering
We are proud to be connected with many pro bono and volunteering schemes. Members of Chambers, pupils and staff are involved in a wide range of initiatives, both within and outside the legal sector.
Advocate
One of our members is a trustee of the Bar’s national pro bono charity Advocate, formerly known as the Bar Pro Bono Unit, and many of our members give their time and expertise as volunteers to deal with deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay. In addition, Sharif A. Shivji KC was appointed Chair of Advocate in February 2023. Upon this appointment, Sharif said “Our work has the power to change the direction of someone’s life for the better. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
CLIPS
One of our members oversees CLIPS (the Chancery Bar Litigant in Person Support Scheme), the flagship scheme in the Rolls Building that provides ‘on the day’ advice and representation for litigants in person in the Interim Applications Court of the Business and Property Courts. Many of our members regularly volunteer for the scheme, spending a day at court each time assisting any litigants in person in dealing with their applications.
Chancery Bar Association
We have long been involved at the heart of the pro bono activities organised by the Chancery Bar Association. One of our members is Chair of the Chancery Bar Association’s Pro Bono Sub-Committee, and another member sits on the Committee, dealing with all the various Chancery Bar Association pro bono initiatives.
CO:IN Pro Bono Scheme
One of our members is involved with the CO:IN Pro Bono Scheme, established by City Law School to provide free advice and representation for small companies attending the winding up courts in the Rolls Building.
Other Pro Bono Activities
Alongside the schemes mentioned above, members of chambers undertake a range of other pro bono activities including:
- Free mediation services on referral from the Civil Mediation Council.
- Volunteering at Citizens Advice Bureaux.
- Pro bono advice to barristers facing disciplinary proceedings.
- Free assistance under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.
Charity Initiatives
Members of Chambers also support a diverse range of charities and organisations, for example through trusteeships of charities, acting as school governors, and volunteering for community sports clubs.
Additionally, members and staff participate in numerous charity initiatives throughout the year, including:
- London Legal Walk– fundraising for London Legal Support Trust
- Mayer Brown Charity Football Tournament- fundraising for Samaritans and Weavers Adventure Playground
- Standard Chartered City Road Race– fundraising for Futuremakers
Green Matters
We are committed, collectively and individually, to doing what we can to reduce the environmental impact of the work we do. As a chambers, we have implemented a wide range of different initiatives, big and small, all with the aim of reducing our environmental footprint as much as possible.
Contractors
We are committed to ensuring that those with whom we contract are treated fairly, for example by ensuring that our cleaners are paid the London Living Wage.
