Pro Bono Lawyer

The role

Mayer Brown is seeking a Pro Bono Lawyer to join their Pro Bono department in London. This role will support the delivery and development of the European pro bono programme, working with pro bono partners, counsel, and other teams to manage and assess pro bono opportunities and matters.

What you'll do

• Support the Firm's Pro Bono Partners, Global Director of Pro Bono and Pro Bono Counsel (Europe) in the delivery and development of the European pro bono programme
• Conduct legal and strategic assessments of new pro bono opportunities and referrals, making recommendations on suitability, resourcing, supervision requirements and alignment with the Firm's pro bono priorities
• Evaluate legal, regulatory, conflicts, data protection/GDPR and reputational risks associated with prospective and ongoing pro bono matters, escalate issues and liaise with Legal Risk Management Team, as appropriate
• Collaborate with Legal Risk Management and Information Governance in relation to data handling, access and data retention issues
• Manage the onboarding of pro bono clients, including matter openings, engagement terms and compliance processes
• Manage and support a portfolio of pro bono matters and projects, including the opportunity to undertake pro bono casework where appropriate and of interest, under partner or counsel supervision
• Draft and review legal documents, correspondence, applications, agreements and client advice in connection with pro bono matters, where relevant and if required
• Support lawyers and legal teams delivering pro bono services and monitor the progress of matters to promote compliance with professional obligations and client service standards
• Provide guidance and practical legal support to lawyers, trainees and volunteers participating in pro bono matters, legal clinics and community-based projects
• Develop, in conjunction with pro bono partner organisations, legal know-how, precedents, training materials and resources to support the delivery of pro bono programmes
• Organise and deliver pro bono training sessions, events, clinics and engagement initiatives, coordinating with internal teams and external partners
• Act as a point of expertise on access to justice initiatives and emerging developments affecting pro bono practice
• Support the development and implementation of strategic pro bono initiatives across the European offices
• Identify, assess and help establish new pro bono partnerships and projects with charities, NGOs, social enterprises, legal clinics and community organisations
• Manage cross-office and cross-practice pro bono projects, balancing legal, operational and stakeholder requirements
• Support collaboration with clients on pro bono and social impact initiatives
• Represent the Firm in relationships with external pro bono organisations, legal clinics, charities, clients, professional bodies and sector working groups, as appropriate
• Promote participation in the Firm's pro bono programme and support Pro Bono Champions and other internal stakeholders across the European offices
• Prepare internal and external pro bono communications, including reports, newsletters, award submissions, website content and presentations
• Monitor, analyse and report on pro bono participation, hours, outcomes and impact across the European offices
• Ensure pro bono matters are conducted in accordance with professional conduct requirements, risk management procedures and regulatory obligations
• Advise on supervision arrangements, engagement terms and matter governance for pro bono work, and work closely with the Firm's Legal Risk Management team in relation to pro bono engagements
• Coordinate meetings and support programme governance, including preparing materials, scheduling meetings, taking notes where required, tracking actions and monitoring progress against programme objectives
• Provide day-to-day operational and administrative support for the European pro bono programme, liaising with secretarial, reception, hospitality and other business support teams as required
• Assist with monitoring the pro bono budget and coordinating expenses and invoice payments with relevant business support teams
• Support the annual Pro Bono Awards and other internal and external events and recognition initiatives
• Maintain relevant departmental documents, internal systems and pro bono website content
• Undertake other duties reasonably required to support the Firm's pro bono objectives

What we're looking for