Pro Bono Awards 2009 - Deadline extended
Nominations for the JLD Pro Bono Awards have been extended to 18 September 2009. The awards celebrate the valuable work of students, trainees and junior solicitors in providing free legal services to help the most disadvantaged members of the community. Enter now to get your work recognised.
Launch
The 11th annual Awards were launched at a free event organised and hosted by the College of Law's Law and Justice Forum on 28 May. Cherie Booth QC opened the nominations, praising the outstanding pro-bono commitments of junior lawyers. She said:
'I have always been involved in pro-bono work myself and encourage others to take on pro-bono commitments. This work is essential for many people in need of legal advice and representation. From the lawyer’s viewpoint, you cannot beat pro-bono work as a way of gaining valuable experience as a junior lawyer.'
Ms Booth’s speech was part of the Law and Justice Forum’s programme of discussions. She also addressed a crammed lecture theatre at the College of Law's Bloomsbury Centre on the issue of women in the profession, at the event organised by students Kerenza Davis and Susanna Spencer for the College's Law and Justice Forum.
Kevin Poulter, Chair of the JLD Pro Bono Awards, said:
'Perhaps now more than ever, with so many people affected by the downturn, the pro bono services provided by junior lawyers and the whole profession are even more essential to ensure true access to justice. These awards continue to recognise the valuable work being undertaken by individuals committed to providing pro bono advice and will hopefully play a part in encouraging others to get involved and do whatever they can in their communities.'
Nominations
The awards are open to students, trainee solicitors and solicitors up to five years qualified involved in pro-bono initiatives. The event ceremony will take place on 12 November during National Pro Bono Week.
Download the nomination form (PDF 224KB)
For further information about JLD Awards visits the awards page.