The right to vote – to exercise a choice – is one that we cherish and want to protect. Democracy sometimes gets a bad press, with everyone from Plato to Lenin chipping in with a humorous observation or two ‘The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter,” noted Churchill.It is an opportunity to identify and debate great issues, to pick one’s way through complex arguments and form a view. Perhaps most importantly, it is an opportunity to hold to account those that exercise power and make decisions on our behalf.

These opportunities do not come up very often. There is much talk at the moment of such an occasion. Whispered discussions in dark corners, with plot and counter-plot. An ebb and flow of loyalty and allegiance, with dire predictions for us getting it wrong.

I speak, of course, of the forthcoming election for various positions within the ELA. Although not quite of the same importance as the about-to-be-called referendum on our continued membership of the European Union, for us in the employment law community it does still matter. Your organisation is listened to and has the power to influence Government. It provides education and training for its members, ranging from the newest of newly qualified solicitors, through to the most leading of leading counsel. It also publishes and distributes this journal.

All these things happen because of the dedication and energy of a large number of people. To make sure we have the very best, with the brightest ideas, it is important that people step forward and take part.

We would normally run an article (or plea) in April, just before nominations close. I thought it would be useful to ask people to think now about the contribution they can make to this organisation well ahead of that deadline, giving an opportunity for discussion and garnering support. Please do consider standing for one of the roles.

As we are on the subject of contribution, one of the articles we include this month is on ELA’s tremendous pro bono work. Although we are not political as an organisation, it is obvious that the state does not see fit to step in and provide funding or legal support for those who have employment disputes. We used to have a forum that provided free access to justice, but no more. While ELA cannot stump up fees for tribunal claims, it does organise support, advice and guidance for people who do not have ready access to it.

Special thanks go to all those who volunteer, but in particular to: Natasha Joffe, Polly Rodway, Jennifer McGrandle, James Arnold, Andrew Worthley, Clare Battersby, Louise Mason, Eleena Misra, Bellamy Forde, Raoul Parekh, Katarina Sydow, Caroline Buckley, Gill Williams, Mukhtiar Singh, Sophie McGuinness, Paul Goulding QC, David Seals, Bhavika Badola, Joy Hankins, Laura Pearce, Emma Thomas, Rachel Hearn, Victoria von Wachter, James Macdonald, Alice Heatley, Caroline Baker, Ben Gray, Felicia Epstein, Sean Jones QC, Saul Margo, Dan Myers, Tom Perry, Sophie Roberts, Rachel Ward, Will Young and Ed Kemp. We would also like to thank The Bar Pro Bono Unit, The Free Representation Unit and LawWorks for their help in setting up the scheme.

The Pro Bono Committee would like to thank the individuals, firms and chambers that have volunteered their time under the 100 Days’ Scheme and One Case Project in 2015. 100 Days: Caroline Baker (GQ Employment Law), Laura Binnie (Blandy & Blandy), Ruth Badrick and Rolleen McDonnell (Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP), Greg Cunningham (Westwater Advocates), Paul Esmiley (Foot Anstey LLP), Grant Goodlard (Farrar’s Buildings), Soyoung Lee (3HR Legal Limited), Ravi Mehta (Blackstone Chambers), John Mitton (PG Legal), Lucy Plumpton (Pump Court Chambers), Sejal Raja (RadcliffesLeBrasseur), Tim Randles (Pennington Manches LLP), Nathan Roberts (Cloisters), Gemma Robinson (Paris Smith), Iqbal Sram, and Sarah Tulip (Joseph Hage Aaronson). One Case: Cloisters, Blackstone Chambers, Old Square Chambers, Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP, Lewis Silkin, Burges Salmon, St John’s Buldings and Penningtons Manches LLP.

Alex Lock, DAC Beachcroft LLP