Browne, who sings jazz with the Chambers’ band ‘Shereener and the Bayleaves’ in her spare time, previously carved out a successful career as a criminal defence barrister before switching to employment, discrimination and prison law work.

She has accepted eight referrals from the Bar Pro Bono Unit in the last year alone. Her pro bono work has ranged from written advice and conference to representation at case management discussions, pre hearing reviews and before the Employment Appeal Tribunal.  Peter Lodder QC, Chairmman of the Bar and member of the judging panel, said: “It is truly heartening to read of how each and every nominee has given so much.

“Shereener Browne’s commitment to the weak and vulnerable people she helps through her pro bono practice and in her voluntary work is inspiring. She is a well deserved winner of this award.”  The six award judges, chaired by Lord Goldsmith, also gave special commendation to Geraldine Clark of Serle Court, who secured pro bono costs orders worth £41,000, and to William East of 5 Stone Buildings, who worked on eight cases across several areas of law.

The annual National Pro Bono Week notched up its tenth year in November, with an array of free legal advice and information sessions taking place across England and Wales. The Bar Council, Law Society and Ilex have published the first Pro Bono Yearbook, highlighting achievements of the last decade.