Bar Pro Bono Unit

The Bar Pro Bono Unit is the Bar’s national charity that makes it possible for barristers to balance a dedicated practice with making a significant contribution to the community.  We match make members of the public who need help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay.

The Unit is an application based service which members of the public can access via referral from advice agencies, law centres, or their local MP. 

The Unit ensures that in each case, the barrister providing assistance is of the same expertise and experience as would be expected in a paying case.  Every application is subject to the same rigorous procedure of checking, reviewing, communicating with the applicant, allocating to a barrister where appropriate and closing down once the work is complete.

We are the sole pro bono charity to provide legal assistance in all areas of law, across all levels from tribunal through to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Over 3600 barristers including a third of all QC’s have committed to take on pro bono cases on behalf of our applicants.

We do not seek any public funding and the source of our funding is almost entirely through the Bar.