National Pro Bono Week: In conversation with Monye Anyadike-Danes QC

To mark National Pro Bono Week Monye Anyadike-Danes QC, Bar Library Pro Bono Committee member, tells us more about working Pro Bono.

Monye operates a successful commercial practice but continues to volunteer her time and expertise to worthy pro bono work.

Describe Pro Bono work at the Bar Library

“We are a small committee that receives Pro Bono applications for free legal assistance. Our role is to act as a filter and ensure the most deserving receive help. The committee receive applications online, via word of mouth and in some instances we are recommended to people by a judge who identifies a particularly complex case.”

What is the process?

“We analyze the completed referral form which outlines important information such as pressing deadlines, case details and what the needs are. We also investigate applicants’ financial situation, routinely we get applications from desperate people who have been refused legal aid because it is not provided for their particular type of case, even if they are from a deprived background. The situations can be heartbreaking.”

What happens when you agree to work a case pro bono?

“Even if we do not agree to take on a case we often meet with the applicant face to face. We sit down and we listen, I’ve been told countless times that we are the first to take the time and listen when all previous services have failed them. Typically people are at their wits end so our compassion and empathy makes a difference.

We then identify what we can do and develop a plan, we might want to explore various options rather than going straight to court.”

Is it difficult balancing your workload?

“I enjoy the variety that pro bono cases bring to my practice as I am very much a commercial silk but when working a pro bono case I might be working a judicial review for example. The fact that these cases are pro bono are irrelevant and all are treated like a private client. Pro bono, like legal aid, is not a second class service for those not wealthy enough to afford otherwise. I’m very particular they get all the care and attention I offer all my clients.”

It is clear what the benefits are to the public, but what are the benefits to you taking on work pro bono?

“I get to see life, really see life at its worst and its best. Typically we are dealing with people who are very distressed and they have not been able to articulate their side of the story. I recently assisted where an applicant was so fragile they were frequently being admitted to hospital with stress and anxiety. From our meetings we were able to identify a claim for which legal aid might be sought. We helped with the application, which was ultimately successful, and the applicant is now receiving the assistance of both solicitor and counsel.”

What would be your final thoughts on pro bono?

“The law applies to all and we are prepared to put in the extra time to ensure it is upheld, it is so rewarding and am hugely motivated by my belief in access to justice. We are here to listen and understand those in need and I want to help people who feel so lost in the system and need someone to listen and guide them.”

For more info on the Pro Bono Unit please click here