Combined authority and GLD lawyers named on inaugural “Pro Bono Recognition List”

A solicitor at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Janet Leong, has been included in the inaugural Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales compiled by the Attorney General's Pro Bono Committee.

The List recognises barristers and solicitors who gave 25 hours or more pro bono legal assistance over the last year. It is to be published annually.

Commenting on the recognition, Leong, a Senior Commercial and Projects Solicitor at the combined authority, said on LinkedIn: “Thanks to Liverpool John Moores University for inviting me to volunteer at the Legal Advice Clinic and support students for the past five years, and to Liverpool City Region Combined Authority for encouraging and supporting volunteering in the community.”

Emma Christie, a barrister at the Government Legal Department, has also been included on the list, which contains 3,760 solicitors and barristers.

The Pro Bono Committee set up the initiative with support from the Access to Justice Foundation, Advocate, Advocates for International Development, the Law Officers, the Bar Council, the Clinical Legal Education Organisation, the In-House Pro Bono Group, the Law Society, LawWorks, the National Pro Bono Centre and TrustLaw.

The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, is patron of the List. She said: “[These] lawyers follow the long tradition of the legal profession in volunteering their time to provide free legal assistance to individuals and charities.

“Pro bono is not a substitute for legal aid, but it is a valuable part of our system of justice, working alongside the advice sector. The judiciary sees first-hand how pro bono advice and representation helps those who might not otherwise receive legal assistance. I hope that recognition on the List encourages the legal profession to continue its commitment to providing pro bono help to those in need.”