The Pro Bono Expert Support (PBES) scheme, delivered in partnership by the NPBC and Pro Bono Connect, helps pro bono cases access the specialist expertise often needed for complex litigation. Support is available from professionals across multiple disciplines, including damages and quantum experts, forensic accountants, eDiscovery providers, strategic communications specialists, investigators, and interpreters.

Building on the Pro Bono Connect model facilitating collaboration on pro bono cases between barristers and solicitors, Pro Bono Expert Support connects lawyers with providers who can offer specialist services that might be needed on pro bono cases, for free.

There is no cost to join as an expert, and no obligation to take on cases. The only ask is that expert litigation support companies who sign up to the scheme agree to consider requests for assistance.

Examples of expert support the scheme has provided include:

• Offering translation to a pro bono client’s native language in an employment tribunal case
• Offering strategic communication support to a charity regarding an ongoing legal case
• Onboarding a consultant psychologist to give evidence at an inquest.

To join the scheme as an expert, please email pbexpertsupport@nationalprobonocentre.org.uk

The PBES scheme is open to requests from members of Pro Bono Connect or from charities working with volunteer lawyers.

If you are a member of Pro Bono Connect, please contact admin@probonoconnect.co.uk for the correct PBES request form.

If you are a member of staff at or a pro bono lawyer working with a pro bono charity, please contact us via the charity’s normal point of contact at the NPBC.

We are delighted to connect pro bono lawyers and organisations with professionals who generously offer their expertise on a pro bono basis to support access to justice. To help ensure a positive and effective partnership for everyone involved, we ask participants to adhere to the following expectations.

The Pro Bono Lawyer will:

1. Submit requests for expert support with as much notice and detail as possible to maximise the likelihood of a successful match.
2. Nominate a primary contact who will act as the main point of contact for NPBC and the expert throughout the duration of the expertise required in the case.
3. Communicate promptly with the expert once an introduction has been made, including acknowledging contact within three working days.
4. Notify the expert as soon as possible of any changes to deadlines, scope, or case requirements.
5. Inform NPBC and the expert when the case/ expertise required is complete, or should the expert support be no longer required.
6. Raise any concerns or issues with NPBC at the earliest opportunity so that appropriate support can be provided.
7. Manage communications between the expert and the client where direct contact is necessary.

For Translation / Interpretation:

8. Translation assignments: Please ensure that all materials for translation are provided in Word format only.
9. Interpreting assignments: Please ensure that interpreters are provided with a briefing prior to the assignment, together with any relevant glossaries or other available materials to enable them to prepare effectively.

The Expert will:

1. Provide their expertise on a fully pro bono basis.
2. Notify both NPBC and the lawyer as soon as possible if they are no longer able to assist, for example due to changes in scope, timescales, or availability.
3. Raise any concerns or issues with NPBC at the earliest opportunity so that appropriate support can be provided.
4. Deliver their expertise within agreed timescales and communicate promptly with the lawyer regarding availability and any anticipated delays.

We are grateful to all lawyers and experts who participate in the Pro Bono Expert Support Project. By working collaboratively, communicating openly, and keeping each other informed, we can help ensure that individuals and organisations who might not otherwise be able to access specialist support receive the assistance they need.

We are proud to offer a Pro Bono Costs Order (PBCO) service as part of the PBES scheme.

This unique initiative connects lawyers handling pro bono cases with costs specialists who volunteer to draft the Schedule of Costs and assist with related paperwork for obtaining PBCOs on behalf of the pro bono lawyer, all free of charge.

These orders not only ensure proper cost recovery but also generate vital funding for The Access to Justice Foundation, enabling even more people to access free legal advice.

Through this service, we’re strengthening access to justice while providing pro bono lawyers with the expert resources they need to support their clients.

For more information or to join as a PBCO provider, please email us on pbexpertsupport@nationalprobonocentre.org.uk.