A proponent of pro bono

It's a bit of a no-brainer; getting involved with pro bono projects affords you the opportunity you do something that helps you learn more about the profession of your dreams, get practical experience, add an attractive new dimension to your CV and actively help individuals who may not otherwise have access to legal advice and representation. What's not to like?

Now in its 10th year, National Pro Bono Week (7-11 November 2011) is an important event in the legal calendar. But it would be easy to take a look at what's on, think "Oh, that's a great idea", and do nothing more about it. However, I strongly urge you to use the goings-on this week as the catalyst to get you off the sofa of comfort and engage!

Most universities and postgrad providers offer ways to get involved - ranging from law clinics on campus, to working with prisons and the NHS, to liaising with groups in the United States on death penalty cases. Northumbria University is a leading light in the student pro bono world - dynamic and committed, they run a number of schemes and have recently published a book called A Student Guide to Clinical Legal Education and Pro Bono (LawWorks is currently running a competition to win a copy). Student Pro Bono lists what universities are up to - is yours on there? If it isn't, why not? Could you be the person to get a scheme up and running?

LawWorks is a hugely important source of information for students and law school staff who are keen to carry out pro bono work, by helping set projects and clinics up, and offering ongoing support in their running. They're there to help - use the valuable resources they offer and check out the dedicated student section on their website.

And so to law firms - they're all over pro bono! An influx of dynamic US firms in the 1990s saw their ‘can-do, here-to-help' attitude (they've been doing pro bono in the States for a lot longer than here) encourage many UK firms to follow suit. These days, most of the big firms (and lots of the medium and small firms) will be engaged in some sort of pro bono work. If you're a trainee (or have been recruited and are due to join in the future), find out what your firm does and get stuck in. If the pro bono scene is a little lacklustre, combine with some of your fellow trainees and get something started. Again, LawWorks can help with advice. And even if you haven't been recruited, asking firm representatives about their pro bono activities at law fairs or interview is a good way to show you're keen to find out about their altruistic side.

This is your chance to both improve your skills and help others. Seize it.