Sheffield Hallam wins ‘Best Contribution by a Law School’ for pro bono work

Sheffield Hallam University has won the Best Contribution by a Law School award at the 2026 LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards

Press contact: Emma Griffiths | e.griffiths@shu.ac.uk

The award recognises more than 30,000 hours of supervised pro bono legal work undertaken by Sheffield Hallam students in the past academic year. 

Through the Hallam Legal Advice Centre and Justice Hubs, more than 300 students take part in pro bono work every year, delivering a measurable social impact whilst preparing practice-ready graduates. 

Professor Sital Dhillon, Head of Sheffield Hallam’s Institute of Law and Social Sciences, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sheffield Hallam has been recognised with the LawWorks award for Best Contribution by a Law School. This is a testament to the outstanding commitment of our staff and students, who work tirelessly to deliver meaningful, real-world legal support to communities.  

“Our approach ensures that students gain invaluable, practice-based experience while making a genuine difference, and this award reflects the strength of that shared endeavour." 

Students at Sheffield Hallam take on real client work alongside their studies, providing assistance in family law, Criminal Injuries Compensation (CICA), criminal appeals, prisoners’ rights, civil disputes, and immigration matters.  

Positive feedback from students at Hallam show how the hands-on experience prepares them for the workplace, and local solicitors' firms have praised the “socially conscious and skilled” graduates that leave Hallam.  

The Hallam Legal Advice Centre and Justice Hubs respond directly to unmet legal need in areas significantly affected by reductions in legal aid. 

The Refugee Rights Hub was established in response to the withdrawal of legal aid for family reunification, and has supported over 2,700 clients worldwide, achieving a success rate exceeding 90%. 

Through its Justice Hubs model, SHU also addresses emerging areas of social need, including youth violence prevention and environmental justice. This structure enables the Law School to respond strategically to clearly identified access-to-justice gaps while maintaining appropriate professional supervision. 

Uniquely among university clinics, the Hub conducts its own appeal work, ensuring continuity of representation in complex cases where specialist legal support is limited.