Frances McMenamin QC joins PBS as Patron

02 September 2021

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Frances McMenamin QC, Senior Counsel, Black Chambers as a Patron of Probonoskills.com (“PBS”).

Frances McMenamin QC was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1985 and has practised, almost exclusively, in criminal law since then.  Frances is highly regarded and is the senior woman practising at the Scottish bar.  Over the course of her career, she has served as Advocate Depute, Temporary Sheriff, member of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission and latterly, as Senior Counsel for the defence in complex High Court matters, where she enjoys revered status.  In 2009, Frances was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Strathclyde, where she has been a long-standing supporter of the Strathclyde Law Clinic and whose alumni suggested she be made a Patron of PBS in recognition of her help, support and encouragement of young people in Scotland pursuing pro bono.

Commenting on her appointment, Frances McMenamin QC said: “I am so proud of our young lawyers, the future of our profession, as they embark upon helping others through the launch of ProBonoSkills. This is a wonderful concept, backed by talented people, committed to making a difference. Over the years, I have been privileged to see the difference students can make through their pro bono endeavours. Along with helping local communities meet unmet legal need, pro bono provides students with a glimpse into the legal world and helps them develop skills which will serve them well as they advance through their legal careers. The culture of pro bono helps generate enthusiasm, energy, competence and confidence in our students. I am therefore very proud to support ProBonoSkills as its Patron.”

Jonathan Goodyear, Co-founder of PBS, said: “I’m absolutely delighted Frances McMenamin QC has agreed to become a Patron of PBS. She is one of the leading lawyers of her generation and I’m sure I speak for the whole team when I say that her confidence in PBS and the difference it can make – both for communities and the law students that help them pro bono – means a very great deal indeed.”