What is Pro Bono?  

·        ‘Pro Bono’ means for the good..

·        It is voluntary work for the good of the community and often has a legal slant.  

Why do it? 

·        It helps you to get involved with the community.

·        It enables you to put all that information you learn in lectures into practice.

·        It is FUN!

·        It looks great on your CV. All law firms get involved in pro- bono work and evidence that you have got involved at University will help you look more well-rounded and increase your job prospects.

·        It enables you to give something back. 

What now?  

·        Want to get involved? Keep watch on the website, the common room board, the online calendar and your emails. Recruitment for schemes will start there. Sign up quickly if you are keen- often schemes can only have a limited number of people involved due to the nature of the work. 

What can you get involved in? 

Mentoring an A- Level Law Student  The mentoring scheme is run in conjunction with Education Leeds. It involves you mentoring an A-level law student, supporting them, and offering them an hour at least once a fortnight where you meet to discuss issues with essays, coursework, studying law, the future etc.             

·        There will be a training session to outline what is involved in the project and safety issues. (Wednesday 18^th October 2-4pm, Moot Court Room)

·        Mentors will be assigned to mentees.

·        There will be an introduction meeting with buffet (yey- free food!) for mentors to meet their mentees. (Wednesday 1^st November 2-4pm, Moot Court Room.)

·        From there mentors will arrange a time and place to meet mentees and support will be on hand onwards.  Open to second and third years.  

What else is coming? 

·        Corporate responsibility project- This is a one day event where students can take part in a community project alongside Leeds law firms as part of a corporate responsibility project. It will be taking place in March. This will be a fantastic opportunity to network whilst taking part in a worthwhile project. 

·        Manuel Bravo Project- this is a Leeds based organisation providing legal representation for asylum seeker. I have had a meeting with the project leaders and they are keen to get Leeds students involved on many levels, which may include research, assisting with advocacy etc. This is currently in it’s infancy but will be a really exciting opportunity, enabling you to get involved in a really worthwhile project whilst using law in a more practical way.   

·        Citizen’s Advice Bureau- I have had a meeting this week regarding law students working with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. This will be piloting this year for a limited number of students. It will be a fantastic opportunity for a limited number of students so watch this space and sign up fast! 

·        Streetlaw- I am currently organising a street law initiative in conjunction with some Leeds based law firms. This will involve working with schools- further details to follow. 

·        Youth Offending Service- there are a number of Leeds students that have already applied to work with the Youth Offending Service. Unfortunately they are not recruiting volunteers at present. I have however, put some of their details on the pro-bono board- let me know if you are particularly keen. 

·        Liberty- Liberty is a human rights organisation. We will be receiving guest speakers from Liberty; the first to arrive mid-November. There will also be the chance to do pro-bono work with Liberty later in the year. 

·        Otley fun run- one you can all get involved in! Post January exams I will be running an Otley fun run to raise money for charity. There really is no excuse for missing this one- you’ll have a great time and raise money at the same time!  

·        Refugee Council- possibility of work with the refugee council- further details to follow. 

·        Reading scheme with primary schools- further details to follow. 

For further informaton, please don't hesitate to drop me an email

Sally Layland

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Pro-Bono Sec

Leeds Law Society