Many top British firms have full-time pro bono coordinators and work done pro bono can be counted towards billable hours targets. As a result pro bono is likely to play a part in most trainees’ lives.

Pro bono can stretch over both social action projects as well as those specifically linked to legal skills. To get a proper insight into the bona fides of a firm’s pro bono activity consider these questions at your interview.

1. Is the programme visible?

2. How would I access it if I worked there? Is there a central point of contact to express my interest?

3. What would be my level of involvement? Would I be doing research or getting to meet the beneficiaries?

4. Does the programme mirror my own values?

5. Where is the benefit? Is it for my own development, the firm’s PR or the beneficiary?

6. What’s the track record? Does the firm have a serious commitment or is it bandwagon-jumping?

7. Does the programme have overall structure and purpose? Or is it a collection of random pet projects?

8. Will the time spent on it count towards bonus etc?

9. Can I develop my own ideas for potential projects?

10. What internal processes exist to publicise the work and to drum up support from others in the firm? And finally — how is success celebrated?