Pro Bono Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution lawyers across the UK make in giving free legal advice to those in need. qLegal celebrated the week with a panel and networking event, and bake sale!
qLegal kicked off the celebrations with a panel and networking event, where lawyers from qLegal’s partner law firms considered “The business case for business law clinics”. Solicitors and Trainees from law firms including CMS, Morrison Foerster, Ropes & Gray, Sidley Austin and Wiggin shared their experiences volunteering with qLegal and why they participate in pro bono activities supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs. The dynamic discussion was moderated by qLegal staff.
The lawyers have each supervised students across various qLegal programmes. They all discussed their passion for working with qLegal’s dedicated and enthusiastic students, and being able to ‘give back’ to the next generation of lawyers.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of commercial law clinics, like qLegal, in incentivising entrepreneurs to develop innovative ideas which can be protected and nurtured with the help of legal support. Discussions concluded by highlighting the ways in which supporting the qLegal programmes is a great way for lawyers to develop their own legal practice and skills. The panel event was followed by networking.
Drawing Pro Bono Week to a close, qLegal also participated in The Great Legal Bake. Celebrating the international nature of qLegal’s students, staff and students baked sweet and savoury treats that reminded them of their childhood or home country.
The event raised £496 in aid of the Access to Justice Foundation and the London Legal Support Trust, who fund local frontline free legal advice services.
qLegal would like to thank everyone who makes it possible for qLegal students to deliver free legal advice, education and support to the start-up community.
You can still donate to qLegal’s Great Legal Bake fundraising page online.