ÑÇÖÞÉ«ÇéÍø

Over half of the world’s population lives outside the protection of the law. For these individuals, concepts like fairness, accountability, and justice are aspirations rather than guarantees. This unfair reality poses a profound challenge: how do we ensure the Rule of Law reaches everyone, regardless of their circumstance?

From providing access to legal information to headlining initiatives that extend justice, At ÑÇÖÞÉ«ÇéÍø, advancing the Rule of Law is at the heart of what we do. Our partnership with LawWorks is one way we’re making a real difference, helping to provide free legal support to those who need it most. LawWorks brings together over 150 law firms and legal teams across England and Wales to provide free legal advice to people who have nowhere else to turn. For those excluded from legal aid and unable to afford a lawyer, this support can be life changing. In 2022 alone, its network handled over 69,000 client enquiries. These figures are more than just statistics. They represent real people whose lives have been truly transformed by the support they’ve received.

Clients of LawWorks Cymru have shared how life-changing the support has been. Without it, they would have faced devastating outcomes like homelessness or bankruptcy. One person said, "I would have ended up in hospital," and another, "I would have been homeless."

ÑÇÖÞÉ«ÇéÍø is proud to support LawWorks’ vital mission by providing free access to Lexis+ content alongside sponsoring the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards and the Student Pro Bono Awards.

These awards celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organisations who dedicate their expertise to helping others, often in situations where no other legal support is available. The awards also highlight the broader impact of pro bono work, demonstrating how it can address systemic inequalities while addressing urgent individual needs. Volunteers have helped families stay in their homes, supported people navigating employment disputes, and provided clarity to those caught in complex legal challenges.

James Harper, General Counsel at ÑÇÖÞÉ«ÇéÍø UK & Ireland, is proud to serve as a judge for the awards, recognising incredible efforts that truly make a difference in serving justice and giving back to the community. By shining a light on these contributions, the awards aim to inspire others in the legal profession to contribute their skills to advancing access to justice.

While it cannot replace systemic reform, pro bono efforts are an essential part of addressing the justice gap, providing a lifeline to those in urgent need. The work of organisations like LawWorks reminds us that advancing the Rule of Law requires collaboration and commitment from all levels of society. Every volunteer hour, every case taken pro bono, and every individual helped is a step toward a more equitable world. At ÑÇÖÞÉ«ÇéÍø, we believe in amplifying this impact, providing not just financial sponsorship but also active engagement and advocacy. Our partnership with LawWorks is one example of how we aim to drive meaningful change. By supporting initiatives that connect legal expertise with those who need it most, we help bring the ideals of the Rule of Law closer to reality.

To learn more about the transformative work being done through LawWorks, visit their collection of