Pro Bono Committee Report

ELENA GOODFELLOW

Committee Chair

In 2021, the Pro Bono Committee continued with its objectives to support, promote, signpost and raise the profile of pro bono work amongst both Birmingham Law Society members and the wider local community. The Committee continued to hold virtual meetings monthly.

Highlights of the year include:

  • Holding regular meetings with guest speakers and opportunities to share pro bono activities.
  • Creating a booklet of pro bono services available in the Birmingham area and how the public can access them.
  • Hosting a series of events during Pro Bono Week in November 2021. This included an outreach event each lunchtime during Pro Bono Week, in the grounds of St Philips’ Cathedral, where members of the Committee ran a stand to promote pro bono activities in the city of Birmingham. Volunteers engaged with members of the public and legal professionals alike to promote and inform them of the services and opportunities for pro bono work. They also handed out a booklet that detailed information about all the various pro bono clinics and organisations in Birmingham. The Committee also held a networking / information evening event with guest speakers, Lynne Squires from the Access to Justice Foundation, Lana Afaneh from Birmingham Support Through Court, and Jason Hadden MBE.
  • Welcoming new student members to the Committee.

At the end of 2021, Mark Taylor stepped down as Chair after three years in the role, and Elena Goodfellow has taken over for 2022, with Amelia Bauer as Vice Chair.

If you would like to know more about pro bono in Birmingham, receive an electronic copy of the booklet of pro bono services available in the Birmingham, or if you have any pro bono stories to share please contact the Committee at: probono@birminghamlawsociety.co.uk