1. The Bar’s Charity

2. Bar Pro Bono Unit www.BarProBono.org.uk Established 1996
All areas of law throughout England and Wales
3,500+ barristers (including one third of all QCs)
Other volunteering opportunities through Bar in the Community in local communities

3. What we do Match-make volunteer barristers with those in need
Our volunteer barristers provide free legal advice and representation
We assist members of the public and small organisations who cannot obtain legal aid or afford a barrister
Barristers can do:
Represent you in any court/tribunal
Give legal advice in a meeting
Give legal advice in writing
Draft documents such as skeleton arguments
Barristers cannot:
Prepare a case and paperwork for the court/tribunal
Lodge papers at the court/tribunal for you
Provide administrative back up for you
Write letters on your behalf
“The volunteer barrister was absolutely good.  He brought his expertise and years of experience to bear on our very difficult case.  Judgement came in our favour for my son to be returned to us."

4. Who we work with Referral Agencies:
Help applicants complete the Application Form
Act as a point of contact
Referral Agencies:
Citizens’ Advice Bureaux
PSU
Law Centres
Law Clinics
Solicitors
Members of Parliament / Assembly Members

5. Barrister carries out the work
How we work
Application Arrives
Is it complete?
Yes: Next stage
No: Ask Applicant for Further Information
Reviewed by a Senior Barrister
Accepted: Next stage
Rejected: Applicant told why
Search for a Volunteer
Volunteer looks at the papers
Returns the papers
Barrister carries out the work
Reviewer: The Unit has limited resources and cannot give legal advice, and the will include only a brief reason for the decision.

6. Contact Details Pre-Application Enquiry Enquiries@BarProBono.org.uk
(Open Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30 – 2:00pm)
Update about an Application
(Open Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30 – 2:00pm)

7. Checklist for Referrers
The applicant is not eligible for legal aid
The applicant cannot pay privately
There is a minimum of 3 weeks’ notice before any hearing date or deadline (exceptions may apply)
The piece of work is for less than 3 days (exceptions may apply)
The piece of work is something that a Barrister can do
Barristers can:
Barristers cannot:
Represent you in any court/tribunal
Prepare a case and paperwork for the court/tribunal
Give legal advice
Lodge papers at the court/tribunal for you
Draft documents such as skeleton arguments
Provide administrative back up for you
Write letters on your behalf

8. How to Apply All applications must be made through a referrer
Applications must be submitted in hard copy
Applications must be include the case papers:
Document Lists can be found on our website
Court / tribunal papers, including court orders and judgments and witness statements
Letters or opinions from solicitors, barristers or advisers giving advice about the case
Key correspondence with any other person(s) involved, or their solicitors
If seeking help with an appeal, a copy of the judgment being appealed
If seeking help about a contract or formal document, a full copy of the contract / document
Case papers must be photocopies

9. Key Questions Can an individual approach the Unit directly? No
All Applicants must be referred by a suitable referral agency
Exception: Prisoners, individual in an Immigration Removal Centre, Organisations, individuals living Overseas
Can an application be sent by ?
All applicants must send their form in hard copy
Can my McKenzie friend refer?

10. Key Questions Is there a guarantee that I will receive assistance? No
Assistance cannot be guaranteed as we rely on the voluntary services of barristers
Deadline less than 3 weeks?
We cannot process applications in less than 3 weeks (exceptions apply)
I haven’t had initial legal advice?
Signpost to other organisation

11. Key Questions Which documents do I send?
Document Lists can be found on our website which will give guidance as to what documents should be included with the form
If there are more than 100 pages of case papers, please select what seems the most important and provide a summary of what other documents exist
Documents can be received by if less than 20 pages
My caseworker has not been in touch?
From 31 October 2016, Caseworkers will no longer correspond via a direct address or a direct telephone number
A member of the casework team will only contact you when there is a specific update related to the application

12. Any Questions? Emily MacLoud Head of Casework 0207 092 3409