LawWorks Recognizes Dechert Initiatives in its Pro Bono Awards 2025

Dechert LLP has been honored for its commitment to pro bono with two of its initiatives recognized at the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards 2025. The awards celebrate outstanding achievement in legal pro bono work across England and Wales, with winning firms, individuals and initiatives chosen for their creativity, collaboration and commitment to widening access to justice.

In the “Best New Pro Bono Activity” category, LawWorks named the multi-firm eVisa Guide and Support Sessions Project as winner. Dechert partnered with the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) and with three other law firms to help vulnerable individuals navigate the UK Government’s transition to a digital-only immigration status system. The initiative combined an online guide in 7 different languages, video resources and weekly legal clinics, providing hands-on support to almost 300 refugees and others at risk of losing jobs, homes and access to essential services. We are grateful to Welocalize for providing free translations of the guide which has been downloaded almost 7000 times. This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling digital exclusion and systemic injustice.

In the “Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership” category, the Windrush Legal Initiative was highly commended. Dechert joined the initiative, a collaboration with the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) and with seven other firms, to secure justice for survivors of the Windrush scandal. The partnership provides free legal assistance on complex compensation claims, including evidence gathering, witness statements and advocacy. Since launch, the initiative has achieved over £1.1 million in compensation across 68 cases, supported by 18,500 pro bono hours. Beyond casework, the partnership drives systemic change through policy engagement, strategic litigation and community outreach, exemplifying the power of collaboration to tackle historic injustice.

Dechert’s London-based litigation associate Nik Sharma was also named a finalist in the “Best Contribution by a Junior Lawyer” category. Since joining the firm in September 2023, Mr. Sharma has contributed over 600 hours to pro bono work. He played a pivotal role in producing the JUSTICE report on the Windrush Compensation Scheme, introducing innovative AI tools to streamline complex case reviews. He also secured British citizenship for children through KIND UK, supported resettlement applications for Afghan lawyers at risk in collaboration with the Max Planck Foundation and three other firms, and worked pro bono on multiple other cases, ranging from a US$1 million impact investor dispute to a successful UN petition for the release of a political prisoner. His commitment and versatility exemplify outstanding pro bono leadership.

Winners were recognized at a ceremony at the Law Society of England and Wales on December 3.

About Dechert

Dechert is the law firm that helps business leaders lead.

For more than 150 years, we have advised clients on critical issues – from high-stakes litigation to first-in-market transaction structures and complex regulatory matters. Our lawyers in commercial centers worldwide are immersed in the key sectors we serve – financial services, private capital, real estate, life sciences and technology.

Dechert delivers unwavering partnership so our clients can achieve unprecedented results.