About us
Founded in 1970, the Pro Bono Society has a long-standing commitment to supporting our local community and improving access to justice.
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Pro bono is a shortened Latin phrase meaning “for the public good”. In keeping with this principle, the Society provides students with opportunities to use their knowledge and skills to support individuals and communities who may otherwise face barriers to legal knowledge, advice and support.
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The Society is student-led and managed by the Pro Bono Committee and Project Directors, with support from Dr Ruth Brittle and Laura Bee, a qualified solicitor. We also work closely with local firms and legal professionals in Leicester, giving our members opportunities to engage with the legal profession while contributing to projects operating at local, national and international levels.
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Today, our 14 student-led projects address a diverse range of legal and social issues. These include providing accessible legal advice, supporting members of the local community, working with the county court and educating young people about law and legal careers. Alongside these projects, we organise workshops, fundraising initiatives and community outreach, giving students a variety of ways to get involved.
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Community impact remains at the heart of our work. During the 2025/2026 academic year, the Society raised over £1,000 for local and national charities through a range of fundraising initiatives. We also work with organisations supporting underrepresented and marginalised groups, seeking to ensure that our projects respond meaningfully to the needs of the communities we serve.
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We are equally committed to creating an inclusive Society for our members. We want students from all backgrounds and academic levels to feel represented, valued and able to participate. Recognising that financial circumstances can affect a student's ability to take part in university life, we support initiatives such as bursaries to help reduce financial barriers and keep our opportunities accessible.
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For students, Pro Bono offers the opportunity to develop practical legal and professional skills beyond the classroom. Members can gain experience in legal research, drafting, case analysis, clinical legal skills and client communication, while developing transferable skills such as public speaking, teamwork and leadership. For those considering a career in law, our projects also provide valuable insight into the practical application of law and opportunities to engage with legal professionals. For non-law students, the Society provides a way to explore an interest in law while developing skills that can be applied across a range of careers.
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Ultimately, Pro Bono is about more than gaining experience. It is about using your time and skills to contribute to causes that matter, while becoming part of a community of students who want to make a difference.​ Whether through volunteering on a project, attending a workshop, supporting a fundraising initiative or joining one of our events, there are many ways to get involved.
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We look forward to welcoming you to the Pro Bono Society and continuing our work together throughout the upcoming academic year.