Head of Education and Training at RLC, Michael Goodwin QC said: “Coming from a non-legal background where I was the first member of my family to go to university, I understand the barriers faced by those looking to the Bar for a future. It is for me a real privilege to be able to contribute to a number of outreach programmes, working with students aspiring to enter the profession and those looking to progress at the Bar.”
The 20th anniversary of Pro Bono Week takes place this week (1-5 Nov) with a look at the past, present and future of pro bono.
The annual event promotes and supports the work of lawyers who volunteer their services for free to people and organisations who could not otherwise afford legal advice.
Red Lion Chambers remains at the forefront of working with those who are most vulnerable and in need of legal help and recognises the unprecedented challenges that many have faced this year. In October, RLC members and staff raised much needed funds for London Legal Support Trust, Free Representation Unit and Advocate by participating in the London Legal Walk and continuing a partnership with East London Business Alliance [ELBA] mentoring and supporting aspiring law students from East London. Following the Black Lives Matter movement, the SHIFT25 campaign also goes from strength to strength to address the prejudice and injustices Black communities face in their daily lives and to work towards change with that ‘shift’ taking place by 2025.
Historically, many members have always played a pivotal role in working with charities and community groups. In a recent survey, findings showed that over half of RLC members (51%) offer support to charitable and legal charity organisations with 34% having worked with organisations for over 5 years maintaining long standing relationships.
Michael advises the Citizenship Foundation on legal issues for their programmes and was formerly a regional coordinator for the National Mock Trials competition – South of England. He has mentored two students over the last year as part of the ELBA scheme, opening accessibility to senior members of the Criminal Bar. He is a member of the Criminal Bar Association Social Mobility Committee. He also trains students in advocacy and ethics for the Inner Temple.