Last call for entries for pro bono awards

If you have not already done so you have just over a week to submit your entries for the Young Pro Bono Awards.

Nominations for the 2007 awards close next Thursday (21 September). Legal Practice Course (LPC) students, trainee and junior solicitors are eligible to enter the awards. The pro bono work that is entered must have been undertaken between 21 September 2006 and 21 September 2007.

The aim of the awards, now in their ninth year, is to recognise and celebrate the valuable work done by LPC students, trainees and solicitors in providing free legal services in the community and to publicly applaud outstanding achievements by individuals and groups.

Previous winners have worked on a number of projects including setting up an advice service to support business start-ups, early stage businesses and firms that lacked the resources to fund experienced solicitors and taken unpaid leave to work with disadvantaged communities in Africa with a particular focus on the criminal legal system.

The award ceremony will take place on 14 November 2007 during National Pro Bono Week.

Kevin Poulter, chair of the organising committee said: Every individual and team are working towards and supporting a worthy cause that otherwise would not have access to such high quality legal advice and services. Everyone who has been involved in a project, or knows someone who is deserving of such a prestigious award should nominate without delay.