The Irish Bar Council is conducting a survey of barristers' fees and expenses ahead of upcoming discussions about reform of the Bar. The Bar Council survey will seek a range of information, including the proportion of work barristers carry out on a pro bono basis.
To view a recent Irish Times article on this, please click here.
Meanwhile in Grand v. Gill [2011] EWCA Civ 554, the English Court of Appeal made a pro bono costs award to the Access to Justice Foundation. Under English legislation, costs awards can be made where a successful claimant is represented pro bono, on condition that awards are paid to the Access to Justice Foundation. This foundation in turn distributes funds to pro bono organisations and regional legal support trusts. To find out more, please click here.
To read an article in the Guardian on making pro bono work pay, please click here.