• Build effective cross-disciplinary teams for pro bono projects, including work requiring coordination across departments or offices.
• Work closely with practice area managers, departmental managing partners, partners, fee earners and Business Services colleagues to secure appropriate supervision, participation and resources.
• Promote fair and effective allocation of pro bono opportunities across the firm and proactively address gaps in capacity or supervision.
• Champion participation in pro bono work and build internal understanding, engagement and pride in the programme.
• Provide supervision, mentoring and skills development for lawyers undertaking pro bono work, particularly those taking on a type of matter for the first time. Give clear direction, realistic timeframes and constructive feedback.
• Plan and support training, knowledge-sharing and learning initiatives, including contributions to the Knowledge Centre and the firm’s Learn.Know.Grow programme.
• Manage the Responsible Business and Pro Bono Paralegal and manage recruitment for that role as required.

Budget, resources and operations

• Agree the annual pro bono budget with the Responsible Business Partner and the Board, and manage resources, recruitment and costs to support delivery and impact.
• Monitor time recording, hours, costs and other relevant management information, using it to support reporting, matter evaluation and resource planning.
• Promote efficient working and review the operation of the practice with the Responsible Business Partner to ensure that it remains effective and appropriately resourced.
• Balance high standards of legal work and client service with timely delivery, clear communication and effective presentation.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• A qualified lawyer in the United Kingdom or a comparable jurisdiction, with strong legal judgement and excellent drafting and advisory skills.
• Substantial experience of pro bono work or programme leadership in a law firm, including the development and oversight of pro bono initiatives.
• A strong understanding of the legal needs of underserved communities and the ethical, regulatory, eligibility, conflicts and risk-management requirements relevant to pro bono practice.
• Knowledge of social justice, access to justice, charity law, charity governance, non-governmental organisation regulation or other areas commonly arising in pro bono work, together with the ability to identify when specialist advice is required.
• Proven ability to triage cross-disciplinary matters, scope work appropriately and bring together the right legal and operational expertise.
• Strong programme, project and people management skills, with the ability to set priorities, manage competing demands and deliver through others.
• Experience of building trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders, clients and external partners.
• Clear and persuasive written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate the impact and value of pro bono work without overstating it.
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and management information, and of using evidence to support decisions and reporting.
• Experience of supervising, developing or managing lawyers or other team members in a collaborative and inclusive way.

Personal qualities

• A genuine commitment to social justice, equality, public service and the firm’s values, vision and strategy.
• Empathy, cultural awareness and sound judgement when working with people and organisations facing hardship or disadvantage.
• Calmness and resilience when handling pressure, competing priorities or emotionally challenging subject matter.
• A collegiate, practical and supportive approach, with strong listening skills and a willingness to solve problems jointly.
• Integrity, discretion and consistently high ethical and professional standards.
• Confidence to make decisions, raise concerns and tackle issues promptly and constructively.
• An inclusive and fair approach to recruitment, development, work allocation and day-to-day working relationships.
• Openness to feedback, professional reflection and continuous learning.
• Flexibility and willingness to contribute to wider firm activities where this supports the role and the firm’s objectives.

Wider contribution

The role is expected to contribute to relevant firm-wide activity beyond the core pro bono programme. This may include recruitment, business development, knowledge management, equity, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, and other environmental, social or governance initiatives, according to firm priorities and available capacity.

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. It outlines the general scope and expectations of the role, but additional tasks may be assigned as necessary to meet the needs of the firm. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply - your unique experience and perspective could be just what we are looking for.

Join us for the journey

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.

We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.

Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us.

Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients' trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them.

Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.

farrer.co.uk/join-us

What we offer

A career with us offers the chance to be part of a firm that values its people as much as its clients. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, you’ll find opportunities to contribute, collaborate, and develop in an environment where traditional values and innovation work side by side. We offer:

• A culture where people come first
• Opportunities to develop and grow your career
• Flexible working options – we welcome applications across a variety of working patterns
• An agile working policy, with a minimum of 40% of your working pattern in the office
• A comprehensive benefits package

Careers - What we offer | Farrer & Co

Our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and we recruit based on merit, potential, and the value each person