Pro Bono Week 2026: Celebrating a legacy of access to justice
6 November 2026
As Pro Bono Week marks its 25th anniversary, Toynbee Hall reflects on the history of free legal advice and its own commitment to making justice accessible to everyone.
From 2–6 November 2026, organisations and legal professionals across the UK marked 25 years of Pro Bono Week, recognising the importance of providing free legal support to people who might otherwise struggle to access justice.
At Toynbee Hall, this mission is deeply rooted in our history. For more than 125 years, we have worked to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent people from understanding their rights and accessing the legal advice they need.
A tradition spanning centuries
The principle of providing legal support without charge has a history stretching back hundreds of years.
The recently launched History of Pro Bono exhibition explores this remarkable journey, tracing the tradition of free legal assistance from ancient times through to the modern day.
Featuring historical records, artwork and manuscripts dating back to 1300 AD, the exhibition highlights how the commitment to helping those unable to afford legal representation has developed over generations.
This year’s Pro Bono Week theme, “Celebrate a tradition. Inspire action. Shape the future.”, encouraged reflection on this history while considering how access to justice can be strengthened for future generations.
Toynbee Hall’s pioneering role since 1898
Toynbee Hall has played an important role in this history.
On 12 July 1898, we established the Poor Man’s Lawyer service in London’s East End, offering legal assistance to people who could not otherwise afford professional support.
At a time when poverty and language barriers made accessing legal advice particularly challenging, the service provided an important opportunity for local residents, including newly arrived communities, to seek guidance and understand their rights.
The initiative reflected Toynbee Hall’s founding belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
What began in 1898 has become an enduring part of our work, demonstrating how local action can create a lasting legacy.
Continuing the mission through our Free Legal Advice Centre
Today, that commitment continues through Toynbee Hall’s Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC).
Building on the foundations of the Poor Man’s Lawyer service, FLAC provides free legal advice to people facing a range of challenges, including housing and employment issues.
For someone navigating a difficult housing situation or uncertainty about their rights at work, accessing clear and reliable legal advice can make a meaningful difference.
Our service helps people better understand their circumstances, explore available options and identify practical next steps.
While the issues facing communities have evolved considerably since 1898, the principle behind our work remains unchanged: access to justice should not depend on someone’s ability to pay.
Looking towards a fairer future
The 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week is an opportunity to celebrate progress, but also to recognise the continuing importance of making legal advice accessible.
Financial pressures, complex legal processes and difficulties finding appropriate support can all prevent people from exercising their rights.
Although pro bono services play an important role in addressing these barriers, they are not a substitute for a properly funded legal aid system.
At Toynbee Hall, we remain committed to supporting people experiencing disadvantage and helping build a fairer society.
As we reflect on more than a century of free legal advice at Toynbee Hall, we celebrate the dedication of those who have contributed their time and expertise to this work, and the lasting impact that access to justice can have on individuals and communities.
Because justice should be accessible to everyone.
Find out more
If you need support with a housing or employment matter, Toynbee Hall’s Free Legal Advice Centre may be able to help. Advice is free, with appointments subject to an initial assessment.
Contact our Free Legal Advice Centre:
- Email: flac@toynbeehall.org.uk
- Telephone: 0800 808 5701
- Website: Toynbee Hall – Free Advice
You can also explore the History of Pro Bono exhibition to discover more about the history of free legal assistance in the UK.
