The CityCLAC team walked away with the ‘Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership’ award, recognising their outstanding commitment to working with partner law firms, and their wider network, to maximise outcomes for those clients most in need.
By Dr Shamim Quadir (Senior Communications Officer), Published
Held on Wednesday 4 December at the Law Society of England and Wales, the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2024 ceremony saw the City Community Legal Advice Centre (CityCLAC) win the Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership Award, in recognition of its outstanding commitment to working in synergy with partner law firms, and others, to maximise outcomes for those clients most in need.
Winners were chosen in thirteen categories , each representing the breadth and range of pro bono across England and Wales, internationally and LawWorks pro bono projects.
The event was hosted by political commentator Tamara Cohen, and the awards were presented by Mark Evans, Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales.
Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership Award, 2024
CityCLAC has nurtured a strong partnership network with seven law firms (Baker McKenzie, Fieldfisher, Taylor Wessing UK, CMS UK, Irwin Mitchell, Lewis Silkin, and Travers Smith), its host, The City Law School, and multiple charities, including mental health trusts and community services, to deliver a robust service in response to unmet legal need due to the continuing legal aid crisis.
Part of the social prescribing network, On your Doorstep, and the Westminster Refernet partnership, CityCLAC have also established referral pathways from mental health trusts, children’s services, probation services and a GP Federation. Through their extensive partnership network they are able to refer clients directly to over 200 organisations.
By surveying their referral partners and working closely with them to develop services, CityCLAC are able to respond quickly and effectively to need.
By embracing technology to offer hybrid, online and in-person sessions they’re able to help more people, especially those who would not otherwise be able to access the service in person such as the disabled and those with limited income to travel.
Commenting on the win during the awards evening, and having acknowledged the stiff competition, Sally Gill, Director of CityCLAC, said in part:
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