Congratulations to family lawyers Harriet Phillips and Ivan Dimitrov, who have been named in the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List for their exceptional dedication to providing pro bono legal support.
The inclusion of Harriet, a supervising solicitor, and Ivan, a chartered legal executive, in the 2025 Pro Bono Recognition List highlights the hard work, compassion, and positive impact they have made in the communities they serve, ensuring access to justice for all.
We are incredibly proud of Harriet and Ivan for their exceptional dedication to pro bono work.
Pro Bono Recognition List
The Pro Bono Recognition List is an annual list that acknowledges the outstanding contributions of legal professionals who undertook 25 hours or more legal pro bono work over the last year. This recognition highlights those who have gone above and beyond to provide free legal services to individuals and communities in need, ensuring access to justice for all.
Harriet’s Pro Bono Contributions
Harriet Phillips is a Supervising Solicitor in our Family and Childcare department based in the Birmingham office. She has been actively involved in weekly legal advice clinics, offering support to victims of domestic violence. Through these clinics, Harriet provides much-needed advice to individuals experiencing challenging circumstances, particularly in cases involving private law children matters.
Harriet’s work with domestic violence victims is especially impactful, as she regularly collaborates with organisations such as WAITS (Women Acting In Today’s Society). WAITS is a charity supporting female survivors of domestic abuse in Birmingham. Harriet’s role involves guiding clients through the often emotional and complicated legal process of obtaining non-molestation orders and ensuring that any contact between children and abusive parents is appropriately managed.
Sophie Burchett, Harriet's supervisor shared:
"I am delighted that Harriet has been recognised in this year’s Pro Bono Recognition List. Harriet consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, as well as for those who cannot access formal legal assistance. It is wonderful to see this dedication being formally acknowledged."
Harriet’s dedication to pro bono work demonstrates her commitment to giving back to those in need and helping some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Ivan’s Pro Bono Contributions
Ivan Dimitrov is a Chartered Legal Executive in our Family and Childcare department. His journey into pro bono work began early in his career, providing family law advice to charities such as Shelter, Citizens Advice Bureau Enfield, and the East Greenwich Legal Advice Clinic. These opportunities allowed Ivan to refine his legal skills while assisting clients facing difficult circumstances, including those unable to afford formal representation.
Ivan believes in the moral responsibility of providing legal advice to those who would otherwise go without. As he puts it:
"Anyone who has worked with clients can tell you that there is no greater gift a qualified lawyer can give than providing pro bono legal advice to those who need it."
Through his pro bono work, Ivan has been able to offer a voice to the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring they have access to justice when it matters most. His experiences working directly with charities have given him invaluable insights into the practical application of law, allowing him to respond effectively to each client’s individual needs.
Duncan Lewis Pro Bono
As a firm, Duncan Lewis continues to be dedicated to providing pro bono legal support to those who need it most. Our commitment to pro bono work is deeply ingrained in our values, and we are proud to support our team in providing free legal services to those who might otherwise be unable to afford them. We are incredibly proud of colleagues like Ivan and Harriet and look forward to continuing our efforts in helping vulnerable individuals across the country.