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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  • May 17, 2012

    Facing South pro bono

    Following mounting successes in Budapest, Paris, and Berlin, PILnet’s European Pro Bono Forum is moving south this year to Madrid, Spain, a city and country where pro bono as a concept is still young. But legal social responsibility has been present for centuries and so pro bono has quickly gained support at the highest levels of the legal community.   Read more »

  • January 27, 2012

    Looking Back on the Birth of a PILnet Clearinghouse pro bono

    Until just a few years ago, pro bono was a foreign concept to many in Russia. But the access of NGOs to affordable legal services has became more critical as new registration requirements and complex tax regulations have made the legal environment for NGOs in Russia more challenging.   Read more »

  • November 30, 2011

    “From Strength to Strength“ pro bono

    SAVE THE DATE! PILNET'S 2012 EUROPEAN PRO BONO FORUM 25-26 OCTOBER, MADRID From classical times the point of a forum was talk, and the talk never stopped during PILnet’s 2011 European Pro Bono Forum, held in Berlin, 17–18 November. On the dais, in quiet corners, during lunch, and over coffee, Forum participants from Europe and around the world shared notes, debated strategies, discussed ideas, and reflected on how far pro bono has come in five years since the first Forum was held.    Read more »

Pro Bono Resources

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