Francis Hoar specialises in public and election law. His practice also covers Court of Protection, employment, commercial and property law proceedings. In celebration of Pro Bono Week, Francis discusses acting pro bono for a client via direct access in the Court of Appeal.
Please tell us about the pro bono work you did
I acted pro bono for the appellant in the Court of Appeal in Anwar v Ealing London Borough Council [2025] EWCA Civ 813. This was an appeal against the High Court’s refusal of permission for a judicial review into the council’s decision to build a shared driveway without consent.
The case concerned a vehicle crossover built outside my client’s home without her agreement or that of her landlord. I was instructed via direct access and acted pro bono for her in the Court of Appeal.
I argued that the council had acted outside its powers under section 184 of the Highways Act 1980 and that its decision interfered with my client's right to peaceful enjoyment of property under Article 1 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
What impact did the pro bono work have on the people and communities you worked with?
Before my involvement, the appellant had had the benefit of representation in the High Court but was unable to afford representation in the Court of Appeal. With my pro bono support, she was able to have her case argued clearly before the Court of Appeal.
The grounds of appeal and skeleton argument were not professionally drafted. I drafted a new skeleton argument that consolidated and refocused the grounds of appeal and addressed the 2 key questions of statutory construction on which it depended. This required an application to substitute the skeleton argument, which was granted.
Although the appeal was ultimately dismissed, my client benefited from the opportunity to have her case fully and fairly heard, supported by my public law expertise. This ensured that her challenge to the local authority’s decision was given proper consideration by the court.
Cases of this type are vital in maintaining fairness and accountability when individuals face public bodies without the means to fund representation.
Did your pro bono work have an impact on your professional career? If so, in what ways?
The most important impact of pro bono work is the benefit you get from ensuring access to justice for people who would otherwise not have fair representation.
Also in this, and many other cases I have acted in pro bono, I have been able to address important and far-reaching questions of law dealt with by courts up to, as in this case, the Court of Appeal.
Any final comments
I encourage all lawyers to consider carefully any requests for pro bono representation and to take on cases where they can make a difference. Or think about volunteering at law centres or getting involved in pro bono representation in some other way.
Your expertise will make a real difference to people’s lives and the work can be interesting and rewarding and help develop your career.