Since early 2023, PILnet has expanded its global projects to facilitate access to pro bono for organizations in Latin American countries. Given the growing constraints on civic space in the region, PILnet has concentrated on understanding the pro bono culture, identifying stakeholders, and evaluating CSO legal requirements to supplement and reinforce high-quality pro bono services. This approach includes working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including national clearinghouses, to advance pro bono in Latin America. This focus is particularly vital as pro bono plays a crucial role in facilitating access to justice, a critical challenge across the region.
As an example of this commitment, PILnet organized a regional convening in Lima, Peru, which brought together various stakeholders to address concrete issues regarding legal needs and think together about solutions for the future of pro bono in Latin America. Despite existing legal protections and human rights frameworks, many marginalized communities struggle to secure their rights due to economic barriers, limited legal literacy, and institutional inefficiencies. In this context, pro bono plays a vital role in bridging this gap by providing free legal support, empowering communities, and promoting equity.