Serle Court barristers named in 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List

We are proud to announce that James Weale KC and Sophie Holcombe have been featured on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales for their dedication to pro bono work. 

Now in its third year, the List recognises solicitors, barristers, chartered legal executives, trade mark attorneys, patent attorneys and registered foreign/European lawyers who provided 25 hours or more pro bono legal assistance over the last year. James has been included in the recognition list for all three years of its publication. This is the second year in a row that Sophie has been included. 

Following its publication, the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, expressed her gratitude to all of those recognised on this year's List, emphasising the importance of pro bono work, commenting that "Pro bono is not a substitute for legal aid, but it is a valuable part of our system of justice, working alongside the advice sector. The judiciary sees first-hand how pro bono advice and representation helps those who might not otherwise receive legal assistance. I hope that recognition on the List encourages the legal profession to continue its commitment to providing pro bono help to those in need."

The Pro Bono Recognition List was set up under the aegis of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee. It is supported by the Access to Justice Foundation, Advocate, Advocates for International Development, the Bar Council, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, the Clinical Legal Education Organisation, International Lawyers Project, the In-House Pro Bono Group, the Law Officers, the Law Society, LawWorks, the National Pro Bono Centre, TrustLaw and the UK Collaborative Plan for Pro Bono.

This year, a total of 5,550 lawyers have been recognised for their dedication to providing pro bono legal support. Of these, 700 submissions were from barristers – an exceptional contribution from the Bar, representing a 13% increase on last year.

To learn more about the Pro Bono Recognition List, click here.