Pro Bono event highlights range and depth of commitment

(L to R) Katie Bell, Member Relations Co-Ordinator, Faculty of Advocates; Chris Rae, Partner, CMS; Neil Mackenzie KC, Keeper of the Advocates Library; Elaine Mullan, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Social Bite; Stuart McPhail, Executive Director and Chairperson, Glasgow PRIDE; Sam Donegan, Housing, Debt and Welfare Adviser, Community Housing and Advice Initiative (CHAI); Julie Hand, Solicitor, Civil Rights First; Hana Farha, Pro Bono Advisor, CMS; Gordon Gow, Student Director, University of Strathclyde; and Ronan Duff, Solicitor, JustRight Scotland.

 

Pro Bono Unpacked, the latest Scottish Pro Bono Roundtable event, was recently hosted by CMS LLP at their Glasgow offices. “What was inside the box? The depth, breadth, and passion of Scotland's pro bono community,” said Neil Mackenzie KC, Keeper of the Advocates Library and Convenor of the Faculty of Advocates’ Free Legal Services Unit.

“Elaine Mullan put faces to Social Bite’s work, with stories of lives changed through their efforts to provide homes, food, and jobs. The panel at the event mapped the range and depth of commitment to serving those most in need across Scotland. The room buzzed as those attending made introductions, renewed friendships, and shared stories,” he added.

The Scottish Pro Bono Roundtable was set up in 2025 and aims to identify and address unmet need for pro bono legal services in Scotland.