As a student-led non-profit organisation, with a membership of 350+, Society's primary focus is to increase access to justice and understanding of the law itself in a vast array of areas by engaging members in volunteering, fundraising and networking opportunities.
‘Pro Bono Publico’, meaning ‘for the good of the public’ is at the heart of the activities we organise. Our society is made up of 10 departments each having a separate goal which relates back to our mission – helping the society which we live in.
Each department runs events and placement opportunities for our members, with numerous places available throughout the year depending on our members' interests and passions.
QMPBS was formed in 2004. Due to our range of departments, everyone is bound to find one of our opportunities relevant to the legal and community work they wish to pursue. From volunteer placements at shelters to internships with some of the top law firms in the country and the world to events with barristers and solicitors to encourage networking and help students make informed decisions for a possible future career in law.
We have placements with firms such as Dentons, Reed Smith, Clifford Chance and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. We also have worldwide placements and opportunities to volunteer with various charities.
Students can get involved via either applying to become a committee member at the start of the academic year and thus helping create our events and opportunities or becoming a member of the society and being able to take part in all that we offer.
“QMPBS is constantly working to provide students with opportunities to help their community both locally and internationally.”
- Ellen Rehnberg (President of the Queen Mary Pro Bono Society)
The Advocate represents the voice of QMUL students. We comprise of a team of passionate and dedicated members of the Queen Mary Pro Bono Society who work together to create and share content pertaining to the law.
The Advocate aims to encourage students to engage with current legal affairs and issues and express their opinions on them. We endeavour to increase the accessibility of our content, thereby allowing our students’ voices to be heard by a wider audience and encouraging them to be advocates in their own right. By sharing our students’ opinions, we hope to foster greater legal awareness amongst our student body and beyond. We publish articles written by students on our website quarterly.
The International Placements Department looks to promote the spirit of pro bono work in the members of QMPBS. We strive to provide members with the opportunity to undertake pro bono placements, over the annual summer break, in an attempt to expand their notions of pro bono work whilst promoting independence and broadening their world view.
The placements available has been increasing in number and developing since the conception of the department. We have opportunities available in numerous continents and we strive to continue expanding that list. At present, the placements available to members are in Cyprus, Singapore, South Africa India or even Hong Kong.