The Australian government has announced plans to consider the quantity of pro bono work conducted by law firms when making decisions on work allocations. The policy shift suggests that firms’ commitment to pro bono work could play a significant role in securing government contracts. Undertaking pro bono work may become an important business strategy for law firms looking to set themselves apart within competitive bid processes.
In a recent open letter, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, a member of Australia’s Labor Government, detailed that the government will also publish a list of law firms on government procurement panels. Particular attention would be brought to firms failing to reach the stipulated target of 35 pro bono hours per lawyer, per year. This targeting strategy aims to create transparency and accountability within the legal industry. It may also pressurize law firms to increase their commitment towards pro bono work.
As the influence of social responsibility in businesses grows on a global scale, the Australian government’s recent decision could result in a significant shift in the operations of law firms both domestically and internationally. The policy indicates the government’s commitment towards encouraging legal professionals to aid those who cannot afford legal representation.
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