Pro Bono

Within our meritocratic society, it is essential for lawyers to bridge the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'. The 'haves' are those who can access and afford legal services. The 'have-nots' are the disadvantaged, the vulnerable and the disenfranchised, not just because of their finances but because the legal services they need just do not exist within their area. [...] I believe pro bono is part of every good lawyer's DNA and the thirst to deliver justice for those who need it lies at its root.

The Rt. Hon. Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC, taken from the Foreword to A Student Guide to Clinical Legal Education and Pro Bono (2011, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pxiii)

Involvement in pro bono work can contribute greatly to developing the practical skills needed for a future career in law, as well as providing valuable services to members of the local community.

The Bracton Law Society committee has members responsible for promoting pro bono work and finding ways for law students to engage in these activities. In addition, the School of Law offer a variety of pro bono opportunities:

• Community Legal Helpdesk
  Students run a free information triage and signposting service at Exeter County Court for Court users with civil legal problems.
• Debt Literacy Project
  Law students deliver presentations and workshops in secondary schools across Exeter on financial literacy.
• Innocence Project
  Students investigate potential claims of factual innocence and miscarriage of justice. 
• EXEchange Sixth Form Mentoring Scheme
  Students mentor local sixth form students who are thinking of applying to read Law at University.
• Student Housing Clinic
  Law students work with Slee Blackwell on specific student tenant and landlord issues.