The Pro Bono Recognition List, published this week, acknowledges solicitors and barristers across England and Wales who have contributed over 25 hours of pro bono work in the past year.
Among those recognised are Lucia Williams, who is currently studying a PhD at UCL Laws while working as a consultant at Clyde & Co LLP, alongside Dr Rachel Knowles, Director of the UCL Centre for Access to Justice (CAJ) and Associate Professor (Teaching), and Thul Khan, Housing Solicitor at UCL’s Integrated Legal Advice Clinic (UCL iLAC).
Supporting climate and environmental justice through pro bono work
Lucia Williams, who is currently in the first year of her PhD studies at UCL Laws under the supervision of Dr Franziska Arnold-Dwyer and works as a consultant at Clyde & Co LLP, has been recognised every year since the list launched in 2024. Besides her academic work, she continues to contribute to a range of pro bono initiatives, applying legal expertise to support communities and organisations working at the intersection of environmental and social challenges.
Over the past year, Lucia has supported Legal Response International, helping to provide legal capacity to small and developing states participating in international climate negotiations. She has also contributed research to projects led by Refugee Solidarity Network and Climate REACH, focusing on legal and policy responses to climate-induced displacement, and collaborated with Wildlife & Countryside Link on developments in water regulation in England and Wales.
Doing pro bono work benefits me, as it helps me consider different perspectives while progressing my research, and benefits pro bono clients, as I am able to apply the additional skills and knowledge I am developing through my research in practice
Lucia’s PhD research explores the relationship between sustainability, insurance and law, building on her experience as a practising lawyer specialising in climate risk and liability insurance disputes. Her work examines how legal frameworks and industry practices respond to growing global risks, including climate change, and how these approaches can better support resilience.
“Doing pro bono work benefits me, as it helps me consider different perspectives while progressing my research, and benefits pro bono clients, as I am able to apply the additional skills and knowledge I am developing through my research in practice,” she says.
Expanding access to justice through the UCL Centre for Access to Justice
The recognition list also includes Rachel Knowles and Thul Khan for their work through UCL’s award-winning Integrated Legal Advice Clinic (iLAC), based in Stratford, with members of the clinic team recognised on the Pro Bono Recognition List every year since the initiative launched in 2024.
As a key part of the UCL Centre for Access to Justice, the clinic combines legal education with free legal advice and representation for the local community. Working under the supervision of experienced social welfare solicitors and advisers, UCL Laws students support clients facing issues such as housing, welfare benefits, and employment disputes.
The clinic also holds a legal aid contract, enabling students to gain experience providing legal aid services while supporting clients through complex legal proceedings with often direct and life-changing impacts.
At a time when access to justice is under increasing pressure, it is heartening to see that the legal profession remains committed to pro bono initiatives
The UCL Centre for Access to Justice brings together innovative teaching, research-based learning, pro bono legal practice and community engagement. Working closely with local voluntary sector organisations, the clinic supports those who may otherwise struggle to access legal advice and representation.
Rachel Knowles said:
“We are delighted to be recognised for the pro bono work we do and are grateful that UCL supports us in undertaking this work. At a time when access to justice is under increasing pressure, it is heartening to see that the legal profession remains committed to pro bono initiatives.”
Established under the sponsorship of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee and endorsed by the Lady Chief Justice, the Pro Bono Recognition List enjoys the support of the Law Society, Bar Council, and major pro bono legal organisations, and celebrates the essential contributions of lawyers from organisations of all sizes who provide legal assistance to those in need.
These recognitions reflect the breadth of pro bono work at UCL Laws and its ongoing commitment to public service and the role of law in addressing complex, overlapping global challenges.
Find out more
Centre for Access to Justice
The UCL Centre for Access to Justice combines legal education with the provision of pro bono advice to vulnerable communities.
MPhil/PhD
A PhD at UCL Laws will allow you to pursue original research and make a distinct and significant contribution to your field.