Lawsoc Pro Bono 

Hi ladies and gents! My name is Kieran Duignan; I’m about to start my second year of the LLB course and I’ll be your Pro Bono Sec for 2009/2010.

Pro Bono is a very glorious, and even intimidating, title for what is essentially voluntary work with a legal slant. However, the important and invaluable nature of Pro Bono work should by no means be underestimated, because it enables you to not only see, but also to take part in, the contribution that lawyers and law students make to help those in the local community who are socially or economically disadvantaged.

I cannot possibly describe in this short passage just how worthwhile volunteering is – it is an opportunity to give something back to the local community and in particular, Pro Bono work allows you to practically apply the law that you are going to spend the next few years of your life studying! In addition to helping others, engaging in Pro Bono work also has many personal benefits and adds something extra to your CV!

I want to make it clear that regardless of whether you are only in your first year or whether you are in your second, third or fourth year, (or even more!) you can get involved in some, if not all, of the projects that will run this coming year. The only thing you need to remember is that all of the projects require a commitment of your time and effort.

Here is a list of some of the Pro Bono Projects on offer for the coming year:

• MENTORING WITH EDUCATION LEEDS: students help children in local schools with preparation for their GCSES or A-Level Law exam.

• PATHWAYS TO LAW: The Sutton Trust and the College of Law’s scheme involves working with A-Level students who wish to study law at University gain a greater insight into what University life and studying law is like, and to help them with the admissions process.

• STREETLAW: Preparing presentations on relevant legal issues and taking them into local organisations such as schools and prisons.

• CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: A one day event working with a law firm based in Leeds on a local community project.

• MANUEL BRAVO PROJECT: Work with asylum seekers/refugees in the local area.

As I’m sure you can appreciate, things are still being finalised so the list above is a snapshot of the types of activities you can get involved in. Rest assured, I will be in contact with you throughout the year as and when details are finalised and opportunities arise, so please keep checking the Facebook group, your email and the noticeboard in the Common Room.

Thanks,

Kieran.
Please feel free to come and introduce yourself, especially if you have any questions or queries. You can also contact me through email on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it