Pro Bono

In order to inspire lawyers to advance the public interest and strengthen the ability of civil society to influence laws and policies and assist individuals in need, PILnet develops pro bono (or volunteer) legal practice around the world. Although in recent years, lawyers and firms have become increasingly willing to undertake pro bono matters, they often lack a direct connection to the community. PILnet’s pro bono clearinghouses in Hungary, Russia, China and its cross-border Global Pro Bono Clearinghouse serve to bridge that gap between lawyers seeking opportunities to provide free legal help and those who need it.

PILnet also helps replicate its model by providing technical assistance, know-how exchange and other forms of coordination to partner clearinghouses developing in other European countries, such as Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania. It also organizes the annual European Pro Bono Forum to provide a dynamic, multi-national platform for exchange of information, skills transfer and networking related to pro bono activities in continental Europe and beyond.

European Pro Bono Forum

PILnet’s European Pro Bono Forum brings together lawyers and NGO representatives to explore how they can best collaborate to address the most critical issues of social justice. The Forum offers an unparalleled opportunity for participants to deepen their knowledge of issues relating to European pro bono law. Through interactive workshops, engaging social events, and structured networking opportunities, seasoned practitioners and newcomers alike gain insight into the pro bono community and forge alliances that can help deliver justice and protect rights around the world. learn more»

Get Involved in Pro Bono

PILnet provides free-of-charge matchmaking services to secure pro bono assistance for NGOs. If you are a lawyer and would like to volunteer your legal expertise, follow the "Get Involved Now" button and click on a clearinghouse near you to send an email to the contact person.  For those interested in cross-border pro bono work, click on PILnet's Global Pro Bono Clearinghouse located in Budapest.

If you represent an organization in need of legal assistance, you can do the same. You can also download the Guidelines for NGOs that we use for PILnet Clearinghouses. 

Get Involved Now

Pro Bono News

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  • 24 April 2013

    Sowing Independence, Together pro bono

    Most of us take home for granted: a place where you get the life skills necessary to move out and up in the world, where you’re nourished, and, importantly, where you learn to give back. The Dacha Program, run by the Russian charity Together Fund, was created to give such a home to older orphans—some of the most disadvantaged youth in Russian society. The program represents an ideal combination of motivated individuals and practical solutions, all for a compelling cause. What more can be asked? Read more

  • 18 January 2013

    Small Mercies: Delivering on the Promise of Child-Friendly Justice pro bono

    Children need more than off-the-shelf advocates. Each year, thousands of juveniles across Central and Eastern Europe come face to face with judicial systems that are insensitive to their unique needs and lawyers who are inadequately trained to protect their rights. Read more

  • 06 December 2012

    In Nigeria, Pro Bono Finds Fertile Ground pro bono

    The Nigerian state of Lagos is taking significant concrete steps to establish a formal system of pro bono legal assistance. The quickly emerging pro bono program was announced by the attorney general of Lagos at a landmark meeting on 8 November at which PILnet staff joined Nigerian authorities to work out a plan of action with the goal of making the Lagos justice system more accessible. Read more

Pro Bono Resources

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