Letters to a Law Student : Why Pro Bono still matters … in a world of ever-rising self-interest

Writer: Charlotte Wong

Editor: Ruqaiya Anser

Ever since Trump's 2016 presidential term, the political spectrum has been shifting to conservativism across the globe. This is evident in countries like Germany and Italy where right-winged parties (the National Rally (NR) and Brothers of Italy (Fdl)) have gained an increased amount of support in the subsequent years of 2022 and 2024. Of course, multiple factors go into the reasoning behind this shift: a collapsing economy, a pandemic that exposed the fundamental failures of public healthcare, and governmental policies on crisis response. It suffices to say that the large wave of conservatism corroborates with the rise of self-interest.

Maybe, it’s the realisation that the younger generation would never be able to afford housing, coupled with the impending doom of not only the NHS but public healthcare everywhere - an issue seen most prominently in the US, where average healthcare spending per capita is double that of other wealthy countries. Added to this are the ever-concerning rate of inflation and the dirty politics on display, such as the Myanmar military coup. It has tethered university students into a fixation on employability and career payouts. But does that mean an inevitable incline to jobs that prioritise self-gain?

This is not a blame game; the choice between survival and a larger purpose seems like a no-brainer but there is also a different perspective.

As aspiring lawyers, it is only natural to be drawn to the more visible aspects of the profession: networking, firm dinners, open days etc. Yet, it is equally important to remember, with the privilege to access legal education, comes the responsibility to do good,  give back to society, and use our legal knowledge to serve something bigger than ourselves. With the growing emphasis on ESG values in the legal profession and the corporate world, pro bono offers a practical way to engage with the “S” and “G” pillars.

The current state of politics demonises the “other” - particularly immigrants and marginalised communities. The US revoked at least 300 foreign students' visas since Trump’s policies were implemented, stranding international students. Asylum and resettlements are becoming increasingly politicised in the UK. These issues all require legal intervention,  and alongside the cuts on legal aid, there is a growing risk of neglecting our international obligations to support individuals under threat from violence and persecution. This is what makes it essential for firms with vast amounts of funding and resources to commit to pro bono. For instance, Clifford Chance has represented asylum seekers in the UK through collaboration with Refugee Action and Save the Children. It serves as an important reminder of a lawyer’s moral duty to the public, to the system within which they operate and re-engage with the people they are meant to serve.

From an employability sense, pro bono work and ESG reporting is gaining increased attention. However it should not be reduced to career advancement alone. As a young lawyer, pro bono work can provide diverse experience and develop practical skill sets.  More importantly, it is a reminder of the professions’ wider purpose. Where we have the capacity to assist, we must work to narrow the gap between justice and the common people.

The current political climate encourages polarisation and self-preservation but that is precisely why pro bono work has never been more important. We need lawyers who are equipped to fight back systems of oppression, who use their legal education to balance the scales of political persecution. Sometimes, giving back is the most powerful act of resistance. Pro Bono is one of the most effective tools in aiding vulnerable members of society and it is time we grant it the focus it deserves.