Shoosmiths shortlisted by LawWorks in its 2018 annual pro bono awards

Shoosmiths was represented at the LawWorks Annual Bro Bono Awards and Lecture hosted at the Law Society on 3 December 2018.

Shoosmiths was shortlisted for two awards:

Best new pro bono activity for our 1st year trainee pro bono challenge. You can find out more about our approach here.

Best contribution by an individual for Jill Davies’ establishment and co-ordination of the pro bono clinic operated by Shoosmiths with CommuniCare and the University of Reading School of Law. Jill received a Highly Commended recognition.

Shoosmiths was in excellent company that evening amongst the worthy winners.

The Awards recognised and celebrated the pro bono commitment of LawWorks members, their charity and corporate partners, and the work of independent clinics in the LawWorks clinics network. This year included a special award to mark and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Access to Justice Foundation (AJTF).

The Rt Hon David Lammy MP spoke at the event and presented the awards to all the winners. The evening was hosted by Matthew Stadlen, radio and television presenter, producer and writer.

Over 250 finalists and guests from across the pro bono, advice, legal aid and charity sectors, were welcomed by Christina Blacklaws, President of the Law Society and Alasdair Douglas, Chair of LawWorks. James Harper, Executive Sponsor, Rule of Law and CSR at LexisNexis UK, also offered a few words on behalf of the awards sponsor.

Winners were chosen in ten categories representing the breadth and range of pro bono across England and Wales – by individuals, firms, in-house teams, law schools and law students, supported by charities, advice agencies, law centres and many non-legal volunteers. Carol Storer, until recently Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group, was honoured for outstanding contribution to access to justice.

The Rt Hon David Lammy MP delivered the Annual lecture referencing some of the recent debates about the justice system in England and Wales and the rule of law. He said “The pro bono work you do is great, addressing unmet needs and helping people secure their rights. It is important though that we recognise how much more needs to be done. Providing access to justice is a fundamental duty of the state. The outcomes in the justice system for minority communities show how much we need better provision for publicly funded legal aid and support.”

LawWorks Chief Executive Martin Barnes said, “Congratulations to the winners and finalists – all deserve recognition and celebration of their work and the difference make in enabling access justice.., so I would like to thank the Judges for their work. I would also like to thank David Lammy and Matthew Stadlen for helping to make the evening such a huge success.”

James Harper, Executive Sponsor, Rule of Law and CSR for LexisNexis UK said, “On behalf of LexisNexis, I would like to congratulate all those nominated and the winners, for their dedication and commitment to enabling access to justice. Advancing the Rule of Law and, including securing access to justice, is the central objective of LexisNexis, and as such we are honoured to support the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards.”

You can find out more about all the nominees and winners in the 2018 LawWorks Pro Bono Awards programme.