Volunteering in the Wider Community

One woman helps another with her research in the Library of Lincoln's Inn, shelves of blue leather bound books behind them. They sit at a desk with a laptop in, but are looking through paper notes

There are many ways you can offer your time to volunteer within the wider profession, as well as at the Inn. We have listed below a range of interesting and worthwhile initiatives, in which members may interested. This list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of various external volunteering opportunities available to members.

Advocate

Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit) help members of the public to find free legal assistance from barristers. All barristers, from second Six pupils through to KCs, can volunteer to help Advocate. All barristers can volunteer to take cases and senior barristers can also volunteer as mentors to support junior barristers taking on cases in new areas of law. Students can volunteer as caseworkers.

Bridging the Bar

Bridging the Bar aims to improve access to the Bar for aspiring barristers from underrepresented backgrounds. Both self-employed and employed barristers can volunteer to provide work experience or shadowing opportunities for aspiring barristers.

The Free Representation Unit

The Free Representation Unit (FRU) helps those in society who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford lawyers. Their work is undertaken by volunteers; mostly law students and legal professionals in the early stages of their career. All of the FRU’s representatives are trained and supervised by legal officers.

Leducate

Leducate is an educational charity that aims to promote an understanding of everyday legal rights among secondary school-aged students in England and Wales. They provide curriculum resources and training for teachers to deliver lessons directly to students on a range of topics including their civil and consumer rights.

Social Mobility Foundation

The Social Mobility Foundation offers an Aspiring Professionals programme which takes place across major UK cities. Opportunities to get involved in the scheme range from becoming a mentor or providing an internship, to speaking at outreach events.

Support Through Court

Support Through Court offers support and guidance before, during, and after court to those facing court alone, to help them feel prepared and supported in accessing justice. This is a great way to gain experience of the court system and help people in difficult situations. Volunteers cannot be practicing barristers or solicitors.

Young Citizens

Young Citizens deliver a range of interactive programmes and provide resource libraries for pupils from primary school age to college age that build the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to engage with complex issues and contribute to democratic life.