The Power of Pro Bono

Pro Bono Week runs this year from 4-8 November, with the theme of “The Power of Pro Bono”. Read about why Pro Bono is an integral part of the firm’s commitment to social responsibility along with one of our most recent Pro Bono initiatives. 

Shoosmiths proudly encourages and supports its lawyers to engage in pro bono work, making it a core part of the firm’s culture and commitment to corporate responsibility. Through pro bono services, our people use their legal expertise to impact communities positively, help individuals who may lack access to essential legal assistance, and advocate for social justice causes. This aligns with Shoosmiths’ core values, enhancing our reputation as a socially responsible firm and building trust with clients and the broader community.

Pro Bono Week & the Power of Pro Bono

Pro Bono Week, running from 4-8 November, shines a spotlight on the theme, “The Power of Pro Bono,” focusing on:

• barred from justice: real-life stories highlighting how lawyers and law students protect the rights of the most disadvantaged
• embedding pro bono in practice: insights on how pro bono can become central to one’s career, with examples from firms, chambers, and universities
• technology and access to justice: exploring tools that make pro bono work more innovative and effective

This week is a chance to honour the UK legal profession’s contributions to justice, and we’re excited that the Law Society will spotlight one of our pro bono case studies on their website.

Making a local impact: Shoosmiths & Daisy’s Dream

In our recent collaboration with Daisy’s Dream, a charity based in Berkshire that provides bereavement support, Shoosmiths not only offered pro bono legal services but also assisted with practical, in-kind support. Our Real Estate team helped the charity secure a 10-year lease on a new office, which now serves as a warm, welcoming space for counselling and support. Following the move, our team members worked together to redecorate the space, helping transform it into a comforting environment for families.

Since the new space opened, the charity has seen a 150% increase in participation at support group sessions. Attendees report feeling less isolated and more connected, reinforcing the value that pro bono support brings to the community.

You can read more about this on the Law Society’s website here: Impact of pro bono: supporting local charities | The Law Society

Why pro bono is important at Shoosmiths

Shoosmiths believes in the profound benefits of pro bono work for both the firm and its people. Supporting our lawyers to engage in meaningful pro bono work boosts job satisfaction, fosters a sense of purpose, and builds empathy through real community impact. For junior lawyers, it provides a chance to work on varied legal issues and gain practical skills that contribute to their professional growth. Additionally, as clients increasingly seek out firms with strong corporate responsibility, Shoosmiths’ commitment to pro bono aligns us with modern business values, reinforcing our position as a forward-thinking law firm.

Pro bono opportunities for junior lawyers & trainees

For those starting their careers at Shoosmiths, pro bono work offers an invaluable learning experience. Trainee solicitors and junior lawyers take on an active role, working alongside experienced lawyers to deliver essential legal services to those in need. They gain hands-on experience in document drafting, legal research, and client interactions in areas such as housing, immigration, and employment law.

Pro bono work provides an opportunity to deepen their understanding of community needs and develop a strong sense of empathy—qualities essential for every great lawyer. At Shoosmiths, we ensure that this work becomes part of your journey, allowing you to grow both as a professional and as a person.

Read about a recent trainee pro bono initiative here.

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