Editor's weekly: Money for nothing and advice for free

This year pro bono has a new significance in light of the looming legal aid cuts. This was a theme addressed by the Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger earlier this week at a Law Society debate to kick the week off (see story).

But it’s not just qualified lawyers who have been getting into the spirit of Pro Bono Week, with law schools playing their part too.

Kaplan Law School, for example, ran the Thames Magistrates Advocacy Scheme on Monday, where BPTC students represented people who were accused of breaching council tax regulations.

It also worked with Nabarro at St Luke’s Legal Advice Centre last night and will be running its own Legal Advice Clinic this evening.

Meanwhile, students at BPP Law School gave a presentation at London’s Pentonville Prison last night as part of its week of activities, while the College of Law is planning to run its new legal advice for start-ups clinic, which will provide free legal advice to students at London’s University of the Arts who are looking to start up their own business.

As well as helping those who would otherwise be unable to afford legal advice, participating in pro bono work is a brilliant way to give your CV a boost and learn valuable skills for your future career in law.