qLegal celebrates Pro Bono Week in 2025
This year saw qLegal hosting three events as part of the nationwide Pro Bono Week celebrations.
Pro Bono in the Age of AI: A Launchpad for Next Gen lawyers
The first event was a panel discussion and interactive workshop at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies, co-hosted with the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre (QMLAC), Baker McKenzie and Fieldfisher. The event brought together students, clinicians, pro bono practitioners and those in the legal tech field, with the aim to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping pro bono work and legal education.
The panel examined the opportunities and challenges presented by AI for both clients and lawyers in pro bono, with particular emphasis on the importance of developing AI literacy to support students’ employability and prepare the next generation of legal professionals for an evolving legal job market.
Discussion in the room looked at how clinical legal education provides a valuable environment for students to experiment with AI tools, the importance of maintaining ethical responsibility and critical judgment when using technology, and the need for future lawyers to work confidently alongside AI rather than viewing it as a threat.
Following the panel, participants took part in a World Café-style discussion led by qLegal Director Karen Watton, considering practical ways in which student pro bono initiatives can responsibly use AI to develop skills for modern legal practice. The session encouraged curiosity, critical thinking and ethical awareness alongside technological innovation.
The Legal Bake
The qLegal team supported, by student volunteers, set-up a stall of homemade and donated sweet treats to sell throughout the day at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies. Supported by all those who bought a treat, the fundraiser raised £382.75 for frontline pro bono services.
Global Day of Action
To mark the Global Day of Action, qLegal shared a Climate Justice survey with students, encouraging reflection on the role of law and legal practice in addressing climate-related inequality. The survey received 63 responses, which will help qLegal better understand student priorities around climate justice and inform future programmes, partnerships and discussions with external partners.
You can read more about events hosted across the country for UK Pro Bono Week.