6 mins read
To celebrate 150 years of legal education we’ve reached out to our students, past and present, and asked them to share their stories and memories from their time with us.
We have offered pro bono legal advice for over 25 years. In that time our staff and students have given countless hours to helping those in need of legal guidance, offering their time and wisdom to people who otherwise might not have been able to get the assistance they need. We spoke with Amanda Crutchley, our Head of Pro Bono and Supervising Solicitor at the University, about the importance of pro bono work and the changes she’s seen in her time at the University.
Edited by Grant Longstaff. Published 11 November 2026.
How has pro bono work changed since you've been at The University of Law?
I have had the pleasure of working in the pro bono team at The University of Law for 13 years. I have seen pro bono evolve from being viewed as an additional activity undertaken by a relatively small number of lawyers into an integral part of the legal profession. Today, many firms have dedicated pro bono champions, teams and programmes that actively encourage all staff participation as part of their culture. There is also greater recognition of the vital role pro bono plays in improving access to justice and developing lawyers' professional skills.
I've also seen much greater collaboration between universities, law firms and charities, enabling us to deliver innovative projects that respond directly to unmet legal need. Technology has expanded the ways in which support can be provided, whilst students are increasingly expected to engage in pro bono activity during their studies. Overall, pro bono has become more strategic, more collaborative, more impactful and more joyous to be involved in than ever before.
Have you noticed changes in the types of pro bono required?
Absolutely. The reduction in the availability of legal aid over recent years has had a significant impact on the demand for pro bono services. Increasing numbers of people are unable to access legal support in areas such as housing, employment, family law and special educational needs, creating substantial gaps in access to justice. There is a profession-wide acknowledgement that pro bono work is more important than ever. What has been particularly encouraging is the legal profession's commitment to responding creatively and innovatively to these challenges. Firms, legal advice agencies and organisations that support delivery, such as The National Pro Bono Centre, are developing projects that maximise impact and truly respond to unmet legal need.
A great example is our partnership with Gateshead Carers Association. Around 25,000 unpaid carers live in Gateshead, while across England and Wales there are an estimated 6.5 million unpaid carers. Many carers are unaware of their legal rights or the support available to them, yet their caring responsibilities often make it difficult to attend training sessions or seek advice during normal working hours.
Through our project supporting Gateshead Carers Association, our students help create legal and procedural guidance, template letters and training resources to support carers who need assistance from their local authority. Students also research legal topics and produce training videos that carers can access at a time that suits them. This flexible, preventative approach ensures legal information reaches people who might otherwise be unable to access it, while also making the best use of limited resources.
Have you seen any changes in the partnerships and businesses involved?
Yes, there has been a noticeable increase in the number and diversity of organisations involved in pro bono work. Law firms and in-house lawyers remain key, but there is now far greater collaboration with charities, community groups, advice agencies and support organisations and a recognition that each brings strength to the partnership.
There is also a stronger emphasis on long-term strategic partnerships rather than one-off volunteering opportunities. Organisations are increasingly focused on understanding where unmet legal need exists and working collaboratively to create sustainable solutions. This approach allows projects to be designed around the needs of service users and often leads to more meaningful and measurable outcomes.
Have you seen technology change the way pro bono services are provided? If so, how?
Technology has significantly changed the way pro bono services are delivered and enables us to reach people who may previously have had logistical barriers accessing support. Whilst traditional face-to-face advice services remain important, online clinics have made legal assistance more accessible, flexible and inclusive.
One example is The University of Law's online family law clinics. By offering appointments remotely, we can support individuals who live in rural or geographically isolated areas, those who cannot easily attend in person because of work or childcare commitments and people who may have mobility or health-related challenges.
Virtual delivery can be particularly important for individuals experiencing relationship breakdown or domestic abuse. For some clients, concerns about safety, privacy or being seen accessing legal support can be a significant barrier to seeking help. Online appointments can provide a more discreet and accessible route to obtaining information and support.
More broadly, technology has enabled pro bono providers to offer advice, resources and legal education in ways that fit around people's lives. It has helped the sector reach a wider audience and ensure that support is available to those who might otherwise struggle to access justice.
How has the level of participation in pro bono initiatives changed over time?
I have certainly seen participation in pro bono increase, although I think the underlying motivation remains the same. Many people enter the legal profession because they want to make a positive difference to individuals and communities, and pro bono provides a valuable opportunity to do just that. What has changed is the extent to which employers now actively support and encourage participation. Law firms increasingly recognise the importance of creating opportunities for staff to contribute to the communities in which they live and work. Pro bono has become an important part of many firms' culture, and prospective applicants are often attracted to organisations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to social impact and community engagement.
There is also a growing recognition, particularly amongst junior lawyers, that pro bono offers exceptional opportunities for professional development. Through pro bono work, lawyers can gain experience on challenging and rewarding matters, often taking on levels of responsibility and client contact at an earlier stage in their careers than they might otherwise encounter. This not only benefits the individuals receiving support but also helps lawyers build confidence, develop new skills and broaden their experience.
The same is true for students. Students are very aware of the value of pro bono in developing their confidence, professionalism and employability. Pro bono allows them to apply their legal knowledge to help clients, develop practical and interpersonal skills, and gain insight into the needs of different communities. Employers are increasingly looking for more than academic excellence alone, and meaningful pro bono experience can help demonstrate the required skills, commitment and professional values. As a result, there is a strong demand for pro bono opportunities across our campuses.
What has been your most rewarding experience whilst working with the pro bono team?
There are so many rewarding aspects to being part of The University of Law's pro bono community that it is difficult to identify just one.
An absolute joy is seeing our students grow in confidence, develop their skills and professionalism, and discover the difference they can make when they are engaged in a pro bono opportunity. It is incredibly rewarding to watch students embrace opportunities that may initially feel daunting, gain confidence in their abilities and then thrive in their careers.
I’m grateful that many of our pro bono alumni have kept in regular touch, and I love meeting up with them, in some cases for years, after they have completed their studies. Hearing about them thriving in their careers and, importantly, continuing to champion access to justice and pro bono initiatives is always inspiring. It highlights that the impact of pro bono extends far beyond a student's time at university and can help shape the lawyer they become.
I also feel privileged to be part of such a generous and collaborative pro bono community. I work alongside colleagues, students, law firms, lawyers, charities and community partners who are deeply committed to making a difference. They inspire me every day to think creatively and improve how we deliver pro bono opportunities and services whilst being extremely supportive and wonderful people to work with.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the impact of pro bono. Whether it is a student discovering their potential, an alum carrying the ethos of pro bono into their career and thriving, or a client or a community benefiting from increased access to justice, it is incredibly rewarding to be part of the University’s pro bono team.
Find out more about our incredible pro bono work and how you can get involved.
