Pro Bono Requests May 2025 – Can you assist?
Overview – Bricks (Charity no: 1183118) is a bristol based charity which supports local creative and social enterprise. The charity runs a community hub at St Annes House, a former Council office, which includes: 65 tenanted spaces which range from medical centre rooms for social prescribing, counselling, play therapy, artist studios, co-working, other charities offices, a cooperatively run gym, a theatre rehearsal space, mushroom farm, an alternative MA studio, music label and a community sauna. The charity has drafted a new set of charitable objects to reflect how the charity’s work has evolved since being established in 2019.
Pro bono request - The charity is seeking a volunteer to review their new draft ‘charitable objects’ & help them as they navigate through the process of getting these approved by the Charity Commission.
When – The charity would really appreciate this support between mid June – Sept 2025 to be agreed with the volunteer.
2. Overview – Circomedia (Charity no: 1056852) is a school for contemporary circus and physical theatre based in Bristol which delivers projects that encourage access to the arts for marginalised communities, young people and local residents. They offer opportunities for disabled people, run a schools programme and support local artists.
Pro bono request - Seeking a volunteer to review the accompanying legal documents to a loan offer that the charity has received from Big Issue Invest, & identify any potential red flag or matters that the charity should consider before accepting the loan.
When – The charity would appreciate this support by the end of June 2025, if possible
3. Overview – Frank Water (Charity no: 1121273) is based in Bristol and aims to alleviate global water poverty, enhance health, and protect the natural environment by improving the way that people understand and use water, with a focus on those most in need. They work with a range of partners across the world to provide safe and sustainable access to water
Pro bono request - Seeking advice and help with how to simplify their partnership agreement template and make it more accessible. E.g. Text/Font/Size of text / Colour of background/legal wording etc?
When – The charity will work around the availability of a volunteer(s) between June -Sept 2025
Pro bono opportunity for firms/ volunteers to partner with LawWorks and provide remote legal advice through pro bono clinics in the SW
4. Overview – LawWorks (Charity no: 1064274) are leading a pilot health justice partnership project in the South West of England. In collaboration with the voluntary services in the area, LawWorks has identified 3 Community Hubs where new Pro Bono Clinics are most needed; Paignton Devon, St Austell Cornwall and Boscombe Bournemouth.
Pro bono opportunity- Due to the rural geography and the legal aid desert issues within the South West, LawWorks would like to hear from Law firms from across England and Wales who are interested in providing remote pro bono legal advice to individuals with employment, housing, family, debt, benefits and immigration law issues.
Administration and triage support will be provided by the community hubs. The hubs work with many other local organisations and services who will hugely benefit from the clinics such as mental health, domestic abuse and family support. We would also like to hear from local firms who wish to provide face to face support. The pilot project and its data will then be used to support other Legal aid deserts and rural areas.
Time commitment – Any help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated but as a guide ideally we are looking for approximately 3 hours per month.
Person specification – Solicitors with a current practicing certificate with expertise in employment, housing, family, debt, benefits or immigration law issues.
For more information or an informal chat please email Richard Lynch, Clinic Support & Development Officer (Southwest): richard.lynch@lawworks.org.uk
E: WestofEngland@probonocommittee.uk
W: https://www.probonocommittee.uk/west-of-england/
