Pro Bono and Clinical Work in Law Schools: Summary and Analysis

Abstract

This article describes the results and implications of a survey carried completed in 2014 and looking at the nature and extent of pro bono and clinical work in UK law schools. The survey is one of an ongoing series conducted every 2–3 years on behalf of the influential NGO, LawWorks (The Solicitors Pro Bono Group). The findings of this, the most recent survey, shows clearly that more law schools than ever are engaged in pro bono and clinical initiatives – a trend that has been increasingly evident over the past 15 years. To date over 70% of UK-based law schools have clinics. Not only is it the rule rather than the exception to do so but the numbers and scope of clinics in law schools that participate have grown considerably. These developments were reported to an international conference in 2015 (GAJE, Turkey) and delegates there concluded that such a survey would have global appeal and that work should now be carried out with a view to implementing such an initiative. This would have the potential to encourage the growth of pro bono work and might influence policy beyond law schools amongst government and the legal profession – leading to improved levels of legal education and increased access to justice.