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As Pro Bono Week 2024 shines a light on this year’s theme, "Power of Pro Bono," we at Duncan Lewis Solicitors are reminded of the significance of this commitment—a commitment that is woven deeply into our identity. As a proud chartered signatory of the Pro Bono Charter since 2018, Duncan Lewis stands on a strong foundation of charity, philanthropy, and an unwavering mission to “give people a voice.” Our dedication to equal access to justice fuels our drive to provide high-quality legal services for society’s most vulnerable. From advocacy to impactful partnerships, the work we do is a testament to the transformative potential of pro bono efforts.

Our firm’s dedication was recently recognised at the 2024 Modern Law Awards, where we were honoured as Pro Bono Team of the Year. This award not only celebrates our commitment to accessible justice but also acknowledges the tireless efforts of individuals who champion our pro bono initiatives. Among them, Emine Mehmet, our Family and Childcare Director and Head of our Pro Bono Committee, has become a cornerstone of our mission.

Discussing the impact of our pro bono work, Emine said, ‘"Pro bono work allows us to reach those who might otherwise be unheard, offering them not just legal support, but hope and empowerment. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference we can make together—not only for our clients but for the community as a whole.”

Emine leads ten pro bono legal advice surgeries, collaborating with crucial organisations like Hestia, Solace, and the Islington Legal Advice Centre. Additionally, in partnership with the University of East London (UEL), Emine has expanded her influence through the UEL Legal Advice Centre, where she provides critical guidance to those facing complex legal challenges, such as domestic violence and child protection. Her work not only provides direct support to clients in need but also empowers the next generation of legal professionals. Law students at UEL gain hands-on experience working under the mentorship of Duncan Lewis lawyers, preparing them for meaningful careers with a strong foundation in social responsibility.

Emine’s dedication has inspired admiration within the UEL community, as noted by Nurun Choudhury, Supervising Solicitor and Lead for the Legal Advice Centre at UEL:

"Emine and her amazing team have shown an incredible commitment to Pro Bono work at the University of East London Legal Advice Centre. Without fail, they have consistently gone above and beyond to support our clients in need. Their dedication to providing free legal advice and representation for vulnerable children and families who would otherwise be unable to access justice is inspiring. I have witnessed their efforts to ensure that every case is handled with the utmost care. Their commitment to helping those in difficult circumstances reflects a deep sense of social responsibility and a passion for making a tangible difference in people's lives. Whether assisting in cases of child protection, domestic abuse, or family disputes, Emine and her team consistently demonstrate a genuine desire to protect the rights of those most at risk. This dedication has not only impacted individual lives but has also strengthened the community as a whole, and most importantly, helped our students develop and learn alongside their legal studies.”

Another pioneering initiative that underscores our commitment to accessible justice is the Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community (FLANC). Co-founded by Alia Lewis, a Director at Duncan Lewis and Solicitors Sheena Vadher and Fauzia Mumani together with Beck Fitzgerald Solicitors and Coram Chambers, FLANC is a cross-firm working group dedicated to removing barriers for neurodivergent individuals in family law proceedings. This initiative highlights the unique needs of neurodivergent families and actively advocates for mandatory training on neurodivergence, best practice guidance and systemic change within child protection and family justice. By working alongside other experts including the family Judiciary and Bar, clinicians and parliamentary affairs,  FLANC aims to make the family justice system more inclusive, ensuring that all clients are given the understanding, resources, and support they need. This commitment to inclusion has a profound impact on families navigating the complexities of family law.

Our Housing team frequently collaborates with charities and organisations to provide essential free legal advice to those in need. Among the valued partners we work with are Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid, Citizens Advice Welwyn Hatfield, Citizens Advice Harlow, and Citizens Advice Hillingdon. Through these partnerships, we’re able to extend vital support to individuals facing housing challenges, ensuring they have access to the guidance and representation they deserve.

These initiatives are only a part of our broader commitment to pro bono work, exemplifying the true “Power of Pro Bono.” Through these programs, our team members extend their expertise beyond traditional legal boundaries to uplift the vulnerable, provide equal access to justice, and inspire the next generation of socially conscious legal professionals.

As we mark Pro Bono Week 2024, we are proud of our team’s profound impact on individuals, families, and communities, proving that the collective power of pro bono can help create a fairer, more inclusive society for all. The work we do at Duncan Lewis demonstrates how the legal profession can serve as a powerful force for positive change. 

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a multi-award-winning national law firm renowned for delivering exceptional legal services and its strong commitment to justice. The firm boasts a team of highly skilled solicitors providing top-tier representation across 25 areas of law. Duncan Lewis is consistently ranked by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 as a top-tier law firm and is also named as a Time Top 250 Law Firm. Headquartered in the City of London, the firm is recognised for its excellence in people management, holding the Investors in People Gold Standard and Law Society Lexcel Standards Accreditations. As a paperless firm, it embraces hybrid working to support its team.