"Pro Bono: Little words, BIG impact!"
The words of Birmingham Law School's Pro Bono Group member Sarah Hall, in her report on the recent Student Pro Bono Conference, held on 5th November as part of the National Pro Bono Week series of events.
The half-day conference was a collaboration between CEPLER and BPP Law School and brought together students from universities across the region to share the views and experience of: practitioners from within professional practice (including Shoosmiths, who hosted the event, and DLA Piper); the manager of the Birmingham Community Law Centre; the Vice President of the Law Society; and students of the two institutions.
Sarah's report highlighted the impact of pro bono work from these diverse perspectives, both on its participants and recipients and she concluded by saying:
"...(I) left feeling compelled to ensure engagement in pro bono activities is promoted and reached by those whose arms have been left tied, out of reach of justice.... The conference instilled in me that pro bono requires giving a little of oneself to save a lot for another. Pro Bono: Two short words, HUGE global impact!"
'Five Benefits I Got From Doing Pro Bono'
This was the focus of the impassioned presentations from students of Birmingham Law School and BPP Law School. Here, BLS student Beth Johnston sums up her experience:
"It has been a privilege and an honour to be a part of the Pro Bono Group at Birmingham, to work on several different projects and to continue to be involved. It has consolidated my degree studies but also taught me infinitely more than I would have otherwise learnt. It has given me a more in-depth knowledge of the legal system and particularly the judiciary, and introduced me to like-minded friends. Lastly it has kept me motivated and inspired to persevere with my degree and there is no doubt in my mind that when I qualify, I will continue to be involved in pro bono work and, hopefully, help some students along the way."
Click to download the full version of Beth's compelling 'Five Benefits'