Attorneys General of five nations renew commitment to Pro Bono

10 November 2009

The Attorneys General of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA and England, Wales and Northern Ireland today agreed a joint message about pro bono work in their own countries and across the developing world. Pro bono publico, meaning 'for the public good', is a long established initiative of the legal profession to provide free legal advice and assistance to people who need the help of a lawyer, but cannot afford to pay for it. Every year the legal profession devotes a week, known as National Pro Bono Week, to highlighting and promoting pro bono services.

The five Attorneys General acknowledged that their inaugural meeting as a group ('the Quintet') fell within National Pro Bono Week in the UK and signed a joint statement acknowledging the value and importance of pro bono in furthering access to justice, and in developing the skills and enriching the experience of those lawyers undertaking it.

HM Attorney General, Baroness Scotland QC, said:

"Pro bono is part of every good lawyer's DNA, undertaken both professionally and passionately for the benefit of those who most need it. I am delighted that my fellow Attorneys were able to join me in expressing our support for pro bono work."

The message of support was delivered to the Joint National Pro Bono Conference in Manchester by Solicitor General, Vera Baird QC MP as an example of 'Connection, Coordination and Collaboration'. The Solicitor General commended these three principles to the delegates at the conference and invited them to explore them further in discussions about pro bono during the conference.

This year the National Pro Bono Conference has, for the first time, taken place on successive days in different cities; London and Manchester, to highlight the importance of pro bono work all over the country and how it both assists and is assisted by connections within the legal profession.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

The joint statement is below and a photo of the Attorneys General is available on request

The inaugural meeting of the Quintet of Attorneys General was at Lancaster House and Middle Temple in London, 9-10 November 2009. The Attorneys discussed areas of common concern and how to cooperate most effectively on matters including organised crime, terrorism, e-crime and violence involving young people. The Attorneys decided to take forward work on these areas and meet annually henceforth to review progress and share insights.

The Attorneys General of the five nations are:

  • Australia: The Hon Robert McClelland MP;
  • Canada: The Hon Rob Nicholson QC MP;
  • England, Wales and Northern Ireland: The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC;
  • New Zealand: The Hon Christopher Finlayson MP;
  • USA: The Hon Eric H.Holder Jnr.

For more information please contact Susan Givens, Attorney General's Press Office Tel: 0207 271 2465



JOINT MESSAGE BY THE ATTORNEYS GENERAL OF AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR ENGLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND

At the meeting of the Quintet of Attorneys General of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America and the Attorney General for England and Wales and of Northern Ireland, and in recognition of UK Pro Bono Week, the following was recorded:

The Attorneys General recognise the importance of pro bono, whilst acknowledging that is always an adjunct to and can never be a replacement for a properly funded system of legal aid.

The Attorneys General recognise the value of pro bono as a means of facilitating access to justice for disadvantaged members of society, and in helping lawyers to develop and maintain important skills that also contribute to fee-paying work and their overall professional expertise.

The Attorneys General commend the expansion of international pro bono services, which help to support lawyers and legal frameworks, as well as the rule of law, in different countries. The Attorneys General further note the work undertaken, without charge, by lawyers, using their legal knowledge or skills, to foster a better understanding of the Rule of Law and citizenship among young people in particular.

The Attorneys General affirm that it is important that pro bono services are coordinated wherever they are offered, to ensure they are directed more effectively to where they are most needed and to maximise opportunities for sharing of expertise and resources. The Attorneys General encourage collaboration among pro bono providers wherever possible, to extend the reach and impact of pro bono services.

Finally the Attorneys General applaud the commitment and dedication of all pro bono providers and encourage the promotion of their work both to those who might benefit from it and to those who might also be encouraged to undertake it.

Signed by:
The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC
The Hon Robert McClelland MP
The Hon Rob Nicholson QC MP
The Hon Chris Finlayson MP
The Hon Eric H Holder Jnr

10 November 2009