Pro Bono Week 2025 at SWLLC
The 24th annual Pro Bono Week in the UK, taking place from 3rd to 7th November 2025, celebrates the voluntary contribution made by legal professionals and law students across the country in giving free legal help to those who need it most.
This year’s theme, “Pro Bono in Action,” highlights the power of pro bono work to create real, lasting change. Across the UK, the week focuses on three key ideas — Stories of impact, Professional development, and Getting involved — each showing how lawyers can make a difference both in their communities and in their careers.
At South West London Law Centres (SWLLC), we’re proud to be part of this nationwide effort through our Pro Bono Clinics, which offer up to 16 free advice appointments every week. More than 400 volunteer solicitors give their time each year to provide vital one-off advice to local people across Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Sutton, Richmond, and Wandsworth.
Through our programme, we work with dedicated volunteer lawyers who help people find clarity and confidence in moments of crisis, supporting clients with issues ranging from housing and family law to employment, and other legal issues.
“For me, choosing to carry out pro bono work is a fundamental part of being a solicitor. The phrase pro bono publico means ‘for the public good,’ and in family law, that good is often about helping people navigate the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Personally, it’s incredibly grounding and fulfilling, it reminds me of the social purpose of the law and keeps me connected to the people it serves.”
— Sital Somaiya, Volunteer Family Solicitor
“I assisted a client who had fled a severe domestic violence situation with her two young children. When she came to the Law Centre, she was terrified, isolated, and completely overwhelmed by the legal paperwork needed to keep her family safe. I helped her structure her story, regain her confidence, and secure the court orders she needed to protect herself and her children. The most meaningful moment wasn’t when the judge granted the orders, though that was a huge relief. It was when she said, ‘I can breathe now. Thank you for giving us a safe future.’ That simple statement captured everything: the difference between fear and safety, chaos and certainty.”
— Sital Somaiya, Volunteer Family Solicitor
“I have been giving pro bono advice throughout almost all of my professional life – now over 40 years! For me, it started with wanting to ‘give something back’. Now, I recognise we provide a service which is not available elsewhere. I think it’s important that people have somewhere to go where they feel heard and can get impartial legal advice, even if it’s not always what they hoped for.”
— David Irving, Volunteer Solicitor
“I think that pro bono work is very necessary due to legal aid cuts and the rising cost of living making it very difficult for many people to instruct lawyers. It’s a great opportunity for lawyers to connect with the community. Being able to help others is very rewarding, and I’ve also learned a lot and gained valuable experience doing pro bono work.”
— Adela, Volunteer Solicitor (Public Housing)
“I do pro bono work because I believe in access to justice for all. It’s often those who are most marginalised who need the most help and have the least access to funds. Providing a free service can often be a lifeline. For me, it’s about remembering how privileged I am to work in this sector and not forgetting to give something back. We could all so easily be one of those in need of the service that SWLLC offers.”
— Sarah Towler, Volunteer Solicitor (Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence)
The impact of SWLLC’s free community advice clinics continues to grow. Over the past year, more than 1,500 people have been supported by our volunteer lawyers, with the value of advice provided exceeding £1.5 million. Eight in ten clients leave their appointments with a clearer understanding of their legal rights and the confidence to take their next steps forward.
Our volunteers’ generosity ensures that local people on low incomes can access justice, protect their rights, and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
As we celebrate Pro Bono Week 2025, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every solicitor, trainee, and student who continues to dedicate their time and expertise to our communities. Your commitment embodies the very best of what pro bono stands for: compassion, professionalism, and hope in action.
If you’re a legal professional interested in getting involved, find out more on our Volunteer Lawyers Programme page or contact us at volunteers@swllc.org.
Happy Pro Bono Week 2025!