Pro Bono
Pro Bono Publico (usually shortened to Pro Bono) is a phrase derived from Latin, meaning “for the public good”. Pro Bono is the term used to describe work undertaken voluntarily and without payment as a public service and is extremely common in the legal profession. Pro Bono, unlike traditional volunteering, uses specific legal skills to provide services to those unable to afford them. As budding lawyers, the Pro Bono element to the society is important for members to gain some practical real life experience, develop legal awareness while enhancing understanding of the contribution that lawyers can make to those who are socially, economically or politically disadvantaged.
At present the aspect of Pro Bono that the University of York Law Society members can be involved in is known as ‘Streetlaw’. Streetlaw is a legal literacy scheme aimed at raising awareness of legal rights and responsibilities within the community. Supported by the Pro Bono department at the College of Law (and in October 2008 by the University of York Law department), members work in small groups to produce interactive workshops and presentations on legal topics. Skills acquired include legal research, client care, drafting, file management, team work and presentation and communication techniques. Through discussion, role-play and other interactive methods the University of York Law Society members and the people receiving the presentation learn about the law.
This year we are also working with the leading human rights charity Amicus, which aims to provide legal representation to those either facing, or awaiting, capital punishment in America. As a charity which relies heavily on the Pro Bono work of legal professionals, we have invited Amicus onto campus as part of National Pro Bono Week (week 5, Autumn Term) to discuss both the work they do and the importance of student volunteers. Volunteers for Amicus not only complete vital casework in the UK, such as drafting Amicus Curiae briefs (which are a way that professional groups, organisations and charities assist a court in coming to a decision, by descibing comparative standards, international law and the practices of other nations) and general research, but a number of volunteers also complete internships with defence attorneys in the US.
For anyone at all who is interested in finding out more about Amicus, the work they do, and the volunteering opportunities available, we would encourage you to visit their website:
