After a delay due to a heavy rainstorm, PILnet was delighted to gather with our friends at the third Hong Kong Pro Bono Roundtable of the year on 29 September 2023. The event, kindly hosted in Davis Polk’s offices, was moderated by Davis Polk lawyer Jonathan Chang. Representatives from Oxfam, Equal Justice, and Asia Society provided an in-depth look into their thought processes when deciding to reach out for pro bono assistance.
Participants from the third Hong Kong Pro Bono Roundtable
While the featured NGOs each have different models of engaging with lawyers, a recurring point made throughout the Roundtable was that both NGOs and law firms are keen to establish long-term relationships as opposed to lawyers merely providing pro bono assistance on an ad hoc basis. Our guest speakers gave invaluable insight on how to cultivate such connections, and our Roundtable members also chimed in on how to build interest for pro bono work within law firms. This Roundtable was an essential reflective discussion to have, which is no doubt enlightening for lawyers who would like to improve their services for nonprofits.
Meeting discussion with several partners