Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Pro Bono Work

Tuesday 28 April 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government supports pro bono work by lawyers and engages with stakeholders regularly.
  • Solicitor General agrees that public awareness of legal services is crucial.
  • Government considers incentivizing smaller legal firms to do more pro bono work.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Atherton
Context

The MP is inquiring about recent actions taken to support pro bono work provided by legal professionals.

Question

What recent steps has the government taken to support pro bono work by lawyers?

Answer from Michael Ellis

As one of the Government's pro bono champions, I am proud to support the valuable work provided by the legal and pro bono sectors. I regularly engage with pro bono stakeholders to engage directly with their work. Covid-19 has affected all frontline services, and the pro bono sector is not unaffected.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify any recent steps or initiatives taken by the government.

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Q2 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP inquires whether the government agrees that more should be done to raise public awareness about available pro bono legal services.

Question

Does the Solicitor General agree that we need to do more to promote greater awareness among the public about the legal services that are on offer?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Yes, absolutely. It is of the utmost importance that members of the public are aware of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the rights of other citizens; this builds confidence and the skills needed to deal with disputes, and ensures that everyone has access to justice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific actions or initiatives for promoting public awareness about pro bono legal services.

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Q3 Sarah Atherton
Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP asks whether the government should incentivise smaller legal firms to offer free legal support to those in need.

Question

Does my right hon. and learned Friend feel we should incentivise smaller legal firms to undertake pro bono work?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Yes, increasing numbers of lawyers at all levels are already undertaking pro bono work, as my hon. Friend knows, because they recognise the truth—that it makes a real difference to people, communities and those who would otherwise be denied access to justice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific incentives or measures for smaller law firms.

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Q4 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP references a Bar Council survey indicating that many chambers cannot survive without additional support. She also mentions previous cuts to legal aid under LASPO.

Question

Will the Law Officers work together with us, at this time of national crisis, and commit to reversing LASPO?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The Government continue to prioritise legal aid for the matters that need it most—where people's life or liberty is at stake, where they are at risk of serious physical harm or where children may be taken into care. Pro bono work is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, legal aid funding.

Not addressed: The answer avoids addressing the specific request to reverse LASPO and instead discusses the current prioritisation of legal aid.

How: Changing Subject

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