The Best Law Firms for Pro Bono in the UK 2025
As the UK legal sector celebrates its 24th annual Pro Bono Week (November 3-9, 2025), Law.com International has released its annual ranking of the top law firms for pro bono work. This prestigious list evaluates the 55 largest UK-based or UK-operating firms based on three key metrics: total pro bono hours logged, average hours per lawyer, and overall participation rates (percentage of lawyers involved). The 2025 rankings highlight a continued surge in pro bono commitments, with firms collectively logging over 1.2 million hours amid rising demands for access to justice in areas like immigration, housing, and economic abuse.
Notably, Latham & Watkins reclaimed the top spot for the second consecutive year, driven by its high-impact initiatives such as the Windrush Initiative and the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance. Hogan Lovells surged to second place, praised for embedding pro bono into its firm culture with over 156,000 global hours annually, many focused on UK-based human rights and trafficking cases. The rankings underscore a trend toward professionalizing pro bono practices, with many firms tying hours to performance targets and partnering with organizations like LawWorks and KIND UK.
Top 10 Law Firms for Pro Bono in the UK 2025
The following table summarizes the top 10 firms, including standout metrics where available. Rankings are derived from Law.com’s comprehensive survey of self-reported and verified data.
| Rank | Firm | Key Metrics (2024 Data) | Highlighted Initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latham & Watkins | ~45,000 UK hours; 98% participation; 120 avg. hours/lawyer | Windrush scandal support; report on economic abuse affecting 750,000 UK women; founded Domestic Abuse Response Alliance. |
| 2 | Hogan Lovells | ~42,000 UK hours; 95% participation; 110 avg. hours/lawyer | Cross-border trafficking precedents; Windrush compensation; reparations for sexual violence victims. |
| 3 | Reed Smith | 24,258 UK hours; 92% participation; 77 avg. hours/lawyer | Disability Benefits Advocacy Project (100% success rate in appeals); KIND UK immigration aid for children. |
| 4 | Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom | ~20,000 UK hours; 100% participation; 105 avg. hours/lawyer | Family law, public benefits, and criminal justice reforms; full UK team engagement. |
| 5 | Covington & Burling | ~18,000 UK hours; 93% participation; 93 avg. hours/lawyer | Reprieve death penalty advocacy at UN; migrant/refugee children’s legal support with Islington Law Centre. |
| 6 | Mayer Brown | ~15,000 UK hours; 85% participation; 80 avg. hours/lawyer | Immigration/asylum aid via KIND UK and Afghan Pro Bono Initiative; housing benefits with Z2K. |
| 7 | DLA Piper | ~14,500 UK hours; 88% participation; 75 avg. hours/lawyer | Broader access-to-justice projects; partnerships with LawWorks for vulnerable communities. |
| 8 | Ashurst | ~13,800 UK hours; 90% participation; 72 avg. hours/lawyer | Environmental justice and community housing disputes; pro bono clinics in underserved areas. |
| 9 | Travers Smith | ~12,200 UK hours; 94% participation; 68 avg. hours/lawyer | Social security and employment rights for low-income groups; collaborations with Advocate. |
| 10 | Herbert Smith Freehills | ~11,900 UK hours; 91% participation; 70 avg. hours/lawyer | Human rights in conflict zones; support for not-for-profits via the firm’s global impact program. |
Notes: Metrics are approximate based on 2024 fiscal year data (used for 2025 rankings) and may vary slightly by firm size (e.g., larger firms like Latham log more total hours). Participation rates reflect UK offices only. Full details and methodology are available in Law.com’s report.
Broader Trends and Recognition
- Rising Participation: Average UK pro bono hours per lawyer hit 85 in 2025, up 12% from 2023, with 92% of ranked firms achieving 90%+ lawyer involvement. Smaller firms (under 200 lawyers) often outperform on per-lawyer metrics, but US-originated giants dominate totals due to scale.
- Focus Areas: Common themes include immigration (e.g., Afghan evacuees), disability rights, and domestic violence. Firms like Reed Smith report perfect success rates in tribunal appeals, amplifying impact.
- Other Accolades: Chambers Associate’s 2025 Associate Satisfaction Survey ranks firms like Allen & Overy and Clifford Chance highly for pro bono experience (e.g., quality of opportunities and work-life integration), though it emphasizes associate feedback over raw hours. Advocate’s Bar Pro Bono Recognition List honors individual barristers and chambers, but for solicitors, Law.com remains the gold standard.
- Challenges and Future: Amid legal aid cuts, firms are innovating with secondments (e.g., Covington’s six-month trainee placements) and tech-enabled clinics. The 2025 rankings coincide with calls for government incentives to sustain momentum.
For those considering a career move, these firms not only excel in pro bono but often link it to professional development, making them attractive for socially conscious lawyers. If you’re seeking pro bono assistance, organizations like LawWorks can connect you with volunteer solicitors from these top performers.