Simon Bond, Partner and Employment Law team head at Midlands law firm Challinors, has been named the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year in the 2012 Birmingham Law Society Awards.
He picked up his Award at the Law Society ceremony at Birmingham’s ICC on the 22nd March, beating off stiff competition from fellow shortlisted finalist solicitors from Wragge & Co and The College of Law.
“I’m delighted to have won this award as recognition of the importance Challinors places on pro bono work and supporting our wider community,” said Simon after receiving his Award from guest presenter, TV personality and sports commentator, Clare Balding.
“A large measure of the award was for my work as a Trustee of Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau and I would like to thank all the Bureau staff and volunteers who work so hard, in a difficult financial climate, to deliver high quality advice services within Birmingham.”
Amongst his recent charitable and pro bono work, Simon has established a scheme with Sandwell Citizens Advice Bureau to give CAB clients 15 minutes free legal advice on employment law issues. Challinors also runs free legal advice sessions at Age Concern drop-in centres throughout Birmingham, and provide pro bono advice at e4f at Aston Science Park to support start-up businesses.
Challinors’ Employment Team is currently acting on a pro bono basis for the Mountain & Cave Rescue Benevolent Fund, a charity providing support to alleviate hardship amongst rescue personnel.