Abdallah Barakat, a barrister based in Wales, has taken on pro bono work since pupillage. He also volunteers at the Cardiff University Innocence Project. We asked Abdallah why he decided to incorporate pro bono work into his practice, how to take it on with Advocate, and the need for pro bono legal support in Wales.
Prior to coming to the Bar, I started my ‘career’ in pro bono work when I was still an undergraduate student at the Cardiff University Innocence Project. I have always been interested in pro bono work and had known in advance of pupillage that I will incorporate it into my practice.
Access to justice is the fourth pillar of the welfare state, along with healthcare, education and social security. It is a right and not a privilege.
In my view, those who provide legal services owe society a duty to lend their skills and expertise to those who need but cannot afford or otherwise access them. In fact, this principle underscores the intention behind the legal aid system.
Those who, for reasons that cannot be expressed in this short piece, fall outside the system’s remit and yet cannot afford legal services are at a significant disadvantage navigating the court process. Direct pro bono work from lawyers is one remedy for this ailment.
This is why I decided to incorporate pro bono work in my practice. I’ve heeded the call of duty, and I attempt to play my role, small as it is, in assisting those who cannot otherwise afford assistance. Of course, we also all like to feel a bit better about ourselves when we do a selfless act, although of course, it’s not entirely selfless.
Pro bono work is a fool-proof way of getting that satisfaction in knowing you have done something that matters – that you matter.
Enough with the altruism: I certainly have my selfish reasons. Pro bono is an excellent way for barristers to grow their practice and sharpen their skills. This is particularly for those, like myself, at the junior end.
Pro bono work allows us to expand our horizons and find interesting work. Browse through Advocate‘s case list, see the range of different cases that you can do and the range of practice areas that may not be very prevalent in your chambers.
Advocate provides an opportunity to appear in different tribunals and courts and learn different skills and approaches. It is also an opportunity to meet solicitors.
Advocate works with a scheme that links solicitors with counsel called Pro Bono Connect. It’s an opportunity to stand out in your chambers and even improve your marketing.
Advocate is possibly the best option to turn to for pro bono work. The way it is set up allows you undertake cases without needing to have a direct access qualification.
They provide a weekly list of cases directly to your inbox when you sign up. They can even email you personally and directly if they know you have a certain preference to some cases or if they think you are suitable for a case.
Advocate’s system ensures barristers review cases for eligibility before they make their way to you. They also operate a mentoring scheme called Collaborate should a case become overwhelming or should you feel the need for that extra push.
They respond to emails and assist quickly whenever they can and the team is a pleasure to work with. Their website is very user friendly and so is the application process to join.
Moreover, they will instruct you for cases across the country if you so wish. Advocate instructed me on my most memorable immigration hearing for which I travelled to Manchester.
Turning particularly to Wales, we are experiencing a drought – a legal desert – when it comes to asylum cases. Some firms have relinquished legal aid contracts or shut down shop entirely. Charities like Asylum Justice are oversaturated. Appellants are struggling to find representation for appeal hearings. Due to language barriers, as is often the case, appellants struggle to know how to lodge an appeal or find any assistance at all, let alone find a pro bono barrister. (I would highly recommend Dr Huw Pritchard’s short read on the Justice Gap about this.)
In summary, if you can, you should try and engage in some pro bono work. If we each played our part, then we can create a positive impact on the lives of those who need but cannot acquire our assistance.
About Advocate
Advocate provides pro bono assistance in every type of court including tribunals across England and Wales. Find out more about taking on pro bono work with Advocate, here.
