In September, PILnet invited climate justice and environmental organizations in Asia to join a virtual marketplace with pro bono lawyers from our network. The marketplace was an opportunity for climate justice and environment focused organizations to connect with pro bono lawyers, present their organization, and discuss their legal issues and the potential for collaboration on pro bono projects.
Much like with our regular clearinghouse, PILnet facilitated intake, matching and follow-up, but with the virtual marketplace we create a space for NGOs and law firms to meet before matching.
“This gives NGOs a chance to present their work and legal needs and have some Q&A and exchange,” said PILnet Program Officer Cherry Ng. “In this way, NGOs may feel more comfortable about what kind of lawyers/firms might take up their cases, and the lawyers will better understand the NGO’s work.”
The event welcomed nearly 70 legal professionals from around Asia and 11 climate justice NGOs looking for legal assistance with 16 matters, including comparative research on environmental philanthropy law, implementation of international environmental law, climate induced displacement policies, as well as commercial legal advice to NGOs and social enterprises, and legal assistance to communities particularly affected by the climate crisis.
“The virtual marketplace offered the opportunity to have direct discussion with the NGO on the pro bono project, which facilitated our assessment as to whether we are in a position to take up the project,” said Janet Cheung of Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP.
In addition to providing a more personalized and interactive launch of the pro bono matching process, the marketplace was an opportunity for PILnet to connect with new law firms in new jurisdictions and expand our network.
“This time we received requests from climate NGOs based in areas where we usually have fewer requests for pro bono assistance, which was an opportunity to approach more lawyers or even new law firms in these countries to match the request from the NGO,” said Cherry.
The marketplace was a productive platform to learn more about the legal needs of key climate justice organizations operating in Asia and forge partnerships for meaningful change.
