Shoosmiths Celebrates National Pro Bono Week in Northamptonshire

During the recent national Pro Bono Week which took place 2 to 6 November 2015 Shoosmiths was delighted to participate in a panel hosted by the University of Northampton. Ahsan Khan, solicitor, and Nicola Ellen, Corporate Responsibility Consultant, joined a panel at the Sunley Conference Centre, University of Northampton, 4th November in order to celebrate pro bono in Northamptonshire.

Pro bono is shortened from the Latin term ‘pro bono publico’, meaning ‘for the public good.’ It involves lawyers and law students giving up their time on a voluntary basis for people who need legal assistance, but are not in a position to get the necessary support.

The keynote speaker was Linda Lee – Past president of the Law Society of England and Wales and past president of the Northamptonshire Law Society.

Ahsan and Nicola joined a subsequent panel of questions and answers alongside Martin Lord – Chief Executive – Central and Northamptonshire Citizens Advice, Ajona Roy – Chief Executive – Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council and Egle Kampaite – Trainee Solicitor with Milton Keynes Council, Law graduate from the University of Northampton and former caseworker with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The panel was chaired by Margaret Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Northampton and Tribunal Judge in the Social Entitlement Chamber.

Ahsan co-ordinates the Northampton pro bono clinic operated with the University and Central and East Northamptonshire Citizens Advice. Nicola co-ordinates the establishment of new pro bono projects across the country as part of a wider programme of community investment projects.

The award winning monthly pre-appointment based clinic, established in September 2011, has offered guidance to over 100 individuals unable to afford to pay for legal advice in areas including employment, family, housing and personal injury.

This event was one of a number of activities undertaken by Shoosmiths during National Pro Bono Week.