The Expert Witness Institute has set up a new partnership with the Pro Bono Expert Support Scheme (PBES) which is a collaborative initiative between the National Pro Bono Centre (NPBC) and Pro Bono Connect, designed to support pro bono legal cases by connecting lawyers with a wide range of volunteer expert professionals.
Whilst we recognise that the majority of our members are unlikely to be willing, or have the capacity, to work pro-bono, we believe that this could open up a useful route for:
- those at the beginning of their expert witness career wanting to gain experience and access to solicitors and barristers which may lead to paid opportunities
- those at the end of their expert witness career wanting to give back
How the Scheme Works
Experts who join the scheme agree to consider requests for support - there is no obligation to accept any particular case, or a minimum number of cases.
Most requests are referred via Pro Bono Connect, which facilitates collaboration between pro bono solicitors and barristers. You will not be asked to work with litigants in person.
Requests will be directed to the EWI and we will contact suitable members who have signed up for the scheme.
Why get involved?
- Flexibility: no minimum commitment; just review requests when they come in.
- Impact: help ensure access to justice for individuals and communities who would otherwise go without critical expert input.
- Recognition: be part of a growing network that includes leaders in the litigation space.
- Collaboration: work alongside lawyers on meaningful cases that need specialist insight to succeed.
- Future paid work: Those that participate in the scheme can find that the solicitors and barristers they work with are keen to recommend them for paid work in future.
- No fees: the scheme is entirely free to join and participate in.
Would you like to sign up to be considered for Pro-Bono work through the scheme?
Simply edit your Directory Profile in your My EWI here: www.ewi.org.uk/My-EWI/My-Details-and-Expert-Profile/My-Expert-Profile
Under ‘Your experience as an Expert Witness’ you will find the option to indicate whether you would be willing to undertake Pro Bono work for the National Pro Bono centre.
Please be assured that this information will not appear on the online directory and we will never provide your details to an instructing solicitor or litigant in person who asks us directly for details of experts willing to act in Pro Bono cases.
And remember that you do not have to accept instructions if you do not wish to undertake them.