Law School Plays Leading Role in Establishing Regional Pro Bono Committee

The Law School hosted a hybrid event, on Thursday the 23rd of November, aimed at inviting stakeholders to decide whether they wished to form a regional pro bono committee. The Law School's Legal Clinic Director, Dr Omar Madhloom, organised this event with support from Toby Brown, a barrister at South Square Chambers and Chair of the steering group of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee of England & Wales, and Chair of the UK Pro Bono Week organising committee, and Charlotte Mallin-Martin, a barrister at Guildhall Chambers, and the Western Circuit’s pro bono officer.

The event was supported by the attendance of HHJ Glen, District Judge Giddens, and HHJ Levey. The evening involved various stakeholders, including Citizens Advice Southampton, SARC, Student Advice, and Yellow Door, showcasing their services and highlighting the need for a committee to promote access to justice in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Those in attendance unanimously voted in favour of establishing a regional pro bono committee and elected Mo Aldridge, solicitor and partner at Jasper Vincent Solicitors (and current President of the Hampshire Law Society) and Dr Madhloom as Co-Chairs of the Committee. HHJ Glen and HHJ Levey kindly agreed to act as honorary presidents. The Committee's membership comprises barristers, solicitors, university law clinics, and third sector organisations.