How should a barrister approach pro bono work?

• A. Charge standard fees regardless of pro bono status.
• B. Consider public interest benefits, ensure no conflicts, maintain independence, and comply with any administrative requirements or reporting.
• C. Accept all cases that come regardless of conflicts.
• D. Refuse pro bono work if it distracts from paid work.

Answer: (B)

Pro bono work is a professional responsibility that serves the public interest, but it must be undertaken in a way that preserves the barrister’s independence and protects existing clients. The right approach is to weigh the public interest benefits of the matter, ensure there are no conflicts with other cases or obligations, keep independence free from influence, and follow any administrative or reporting requirements set by the profession or the bar. This combination ensures that pro bono engagement is meaningful and ethically sound rather than ad hoc.

The other options don’t fit this balanced, professional approach. Charging standard fees defeats the purpose of pro bono. Accepting cases without regard to potential conflicts risks client confidentiality and loyalty to current clients. Refusing pro bono merely because it might distract from paid work ignores the duty to contribute to public access to justice and the ethical expectation to assist where possible.