I’m pro pro bono - are you?

Pro bono champion LawWorks organises the Student Pro Bono Awards every year, as endorsed by the attorney general. I was delighted to again be asked to be on the judging panel, an experience which every time leaves me (i) humbled by the capacity of those nominated to do such excellent extracurricular work, and (ii) hopeful for the profession, if these individuals are just some of the outstanding people coming through the system.

As in previous years, the nominations were extremely impressive - varied in scope and focus, but all dedicated to one aim; addressing a range of very real societal problems that aren't being met by more traditional legal means. And now, more than ever, there are gaping holes emerging, with thousands of people unable to access legal help and support. Grayling and his swingeing legal aid cuts have much to answer for - thank goodness excellent pro bono schemes such as those honoured at the awards exist, but should they be relied on to plug the gaps left by a government policy which seeks to erode a legal aid system that was once something to be proud of?

Politics aside, and refocusing on the excellent work being done by students and law schools throughout the country, we judges were united in our admiration (as well as rather sheepish, as we recalled our own time at university, spent in much less worthwhile ways!). A common theme that came through when reading the submissions was the personal growth experienced by those taking part. That's the thing about pro bono; it is there to address a very real unmet need, but it also serves to make its proponents better - better students, better lawyers and better individuals.

And so it was that we found ourselves enjoying a convivial afternoon at the House of Commons on Tuesday 1 April, with tea and excellent cakes, and a lot of love in the room. Variety really is the spice of life, with nominees from all corners of the United Kingdom, as exemplified by the winners themselves. Glasgow was represented by University of Strathclyde student Jackie Wall, who won 'Best individual', and Belfast had its moment of glory when the University of Ulster won 'Best new activity'. A group of students from the University of Liverpool won for 'Best contribution by a team' for their diligent and sensitive handling of 20,000 pages of personal documents related to the Hillsborough disaster - particularly poignant in this anniversary year. The University of Northumbria won 'Best contribution by a law school' in recognition of its continuing hard work and wide array of pro bono offerings.

Much clapping and happy clutching of awards ensued, and even those who didn't win were surrounded by the warm glow of recognition. The attorney general, Dominic Grieve QC MP, noted: "The Student Awards celebrate the commitment and dedication demonstrated by these students to pro bono work at an early stage in their career. One must remember that they are combining their pro bono work with their academic or postgraduate studies.  It is through this hard work that they continue one of the finest traditions of the legal profession."

The schemes we read about and assessed are just a small drop in the ever-expanding pro bono ocean, which leaves no excuse for you not getting involved. Well done to all those nominated; you are an inspiration, not just to your fellow students, and those yet to come, but to a panel of jaded judges!

For a full list of the nominees and winners, visit LawWorks' website.