Students invited to submit nominations for the 2017 LawWorks and Attorney General's Student Pro Bono Awards

Nominations are now open for the LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards, which celebrate the significant contribution of law students and law schools to vital pro bono legal advice.

Without the efforts of law students, an increasing number of people in vulnerable situations would be unable to access justice in the United Kingdom due to cuts to the legal aid system – a shocking situation for a democracy based on equality before the law. The LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards therefore represent a great occasion to acknowledge the crucial work of law students in helping those who would otherwise be helpless, with the awards presentations to be made by the attorney general, Jeremy Wright QC MP, on Wednesday 26 April at the House of Commons. Students and law schools can submit their nominations for the awards until the closing date of 20 March. The individual awards are in the following categories:

• best contribution by an individual student;
• best contribution by a law school (undergraduate and postgraduate);
• best contribution by a team of students; and
• best new pro bono activity.

To submit a nomination in any of the above categories, head to the LawWorks website. Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts, including LCN’s senior editor, Isla Grant. Winners of the LawWorks and Bar Pro Bono Unit Law School Challenge will also be presented with awards at the ceremony.

Wright, speaking in his capacity as attorney general, commented: “These awards are an opportunity for us to recognise the hardworking law students who have gone to great lengths to help increase access to justice in their community. Their work not only has a practical and beneficial effect on people’s lives; it has a positive effect on our legal system as well.”

Martin Barnes, chief executive of LawWorks said: “The student awards celebrate the incredible commitment, passion and contribution of the many students and law schools providing pro bono legal advice in England and Wales. While pro bono is not, and should not be seen as, an alternative to legal aid, law students and law schools make an important contribution to enabling people to access the advice and support they need. As well as making a valuable contribution to local communities, pro bono volunteering can bring many benefits and opportunities for students, including personal development and gaining legal knowledge and skills. Early experience of pro bono can instil a passion and commitment to pro bono that can last a whole career.”