The National Pro Bono Centre (NPBC) has announced two key appointments to its leadership team: Esther McConnell as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective early in the New Year, and Sarah Oliver Scemla as a member of its Board of Trustees. These appointments reflect the NPBC’s commitment to strengthening governance, expanding access to justice, and fostering collaboration across the pro bono sector.

Esther brings over 15 years of experience in charity management, cross-sector leadership, policy development, and governance, with a strong focus on supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities. A recognised leader in social justice, she joins the NPBC at a pivotal time for organisations working to expand access to justice across the UK.

Sir Robin Knowles, NPBC’s Board Chairman, welcomed the appointments, saying:

“On behalf of the staff and the Board I am delighted to welcome Esther McConnell as the new CEO of the National Pro Bono Centre and Sarah Oliver Scemla to our Board of Trustees. Esther’s expertise and leadership will strengthen a sector already making a vital difference, while Sarah’s extensive pro bono experience and in-house perspective will help us broaden collaboration and innovation across the profession. We are deeply grateful to Mary Dobson Smith for her exceptional contribution and we are pleased she will continue to support the NPBC in key areas including on in-house pro bono.  With the support of many, including the backing of partners such as the Commercial Litigators’ Forum, the Centre will continue to be of service to the pro bono sector as the sector makes its vital contribution to access to justice.”

McConnell succeeds Mary Dobson Smith, who has served as Executive Director for 18 months, building on her work in developing the organisation since 2020.

McConnell’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the NPBC, as it strengthens its work to support the pro bono sector nationwide.  Her experience in legal advocacy, charity leadership, and policy influence positions her to lead the NPBC into its next phase of growth, amplifying its impact and deepening collaboration across the legal, voluntary, and philanthropic centres to advance equal access to justice across the UK.

Throughout her career, McConnell has championed social justice and migrant rights through strategic and operational leadership. As Deputy CEO of the East European Resource Centre, she has overseen services supporting vulnerable Eastern European communities and contributed to policy development with the Greater London Authority on labour exploitation. Her previous roles include leading operations at the Anti Trafficking & Labour Exploitation Unit, and coordinating the Association for the Study of Ethnicity and Nationalism.

In addition to her executive work, McConnell serves as a Trustee of the Barrow Cadbury Trust and the Kalayy Foundation, supporting philanthropy and social investment initiatives in migration, justice, and youth empowerment.

McConnell said, “It is an honour to be joining the National Pro Bono Centre. I am looking forward to leading this remarkable charity in its support of a diverse and vital pro bono sector. Having worked in legal advice organisations for nearly a decade, including the East European Resource Centre and the Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit, I understand the challenges and opportunities ahead. Mary Dobson Smith has led the NPBC from strength to strength, and it is a privilege to take up the baton. I am excited to work with our partners and the wider sector to build on this important work and advance access to justice across the UK.”

In addition to this leadership transition, the National Pro Bono Centre is pleased to welcome Sarah Oliver Scemla to its Board of Trustees. A dual-qualified solicitor in England & Wales and France, Sarah brings over 17 years of experience in global financial institutions and a long-standing commitment to advancing access to justice. She has extensive expertise in building and leading pro bono programmes, strengthening governance frameworks, and mobilising cross-sector networks to support social justice initiatives.

Sarah has founded and chaired the Bank of America EMEA Pro Bono Committee, creating impactful projects in areas such as refugee and asylum support, disability benefit appeals, diversity and social justice, and climate action. She is also a founding member of the UK In-House Pro Bono Steering Committee and serves as a trustee of The Chancery Lane Project, where she provides governance oversight for a global climate law initiative. Her appointment brings a unique in-house perspective to the board, enhancing the Centre’s ability to convene the legal profession and build collaborative solutions that expand access to justice across the UK.