Lack of access to justice is a significant global issue impacting approximately five billion people worldwide, a fact which poses a detrimental impact to societal development and the rule of law. This broad-reaching problem not only undermines the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals but also limits economic opportunity, reinforces cycles of poverty, and inhibits human potential, all of which directly affect growth World Justice Project, UN SDGs, OECD.
Lawyers play a critical role in addressing this justice deficit through the development and promotion of pro bono initiatives globally, particularly in regions where legal aid is scarce or underfunded. International law firms, thanks to their expansive reach and networking capabilities, stand in a unique position to spearhead these endeavors to cultivate an international pro bono culture.
An illustrative example of this is DLA Piper, which capitalizes on its global presence to share insights and promote pro bono practices in jurisdictions unfamiliar with pro bono service. By partnering with universities, civil society organizations, bar associations, and other law firms, DLA Piper helps foster dialogue, manage training initiatives, and mentor the future leaders of pro bono work.
The firm’s globally active non-profit affiliate, New Perimeter, provides education on pro bono and public interest law to international law students. Through workshops in diverse countries including Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, Ukraine, Nepal, Laos, and several South Pacific islands, New Perimeter is familiarizing students with the concept and importance of pro bono work, and ways they can leverage their acquired skills to serve their communities.
One noteworthy initiative by New Perimeter is its long-standing collaboration with Mexico Appleseed to aid in the growth and development of pro bono practices within the Mexican legal profession. This includes building the Mexican Pro Bono Network and conducting courses on pro bono topics for Mexican law students New Perimeter.
New Perimeter’s initiatives are designed to be locally driven and sustainable, forming lasting partnerships with local institutions. DLA Piper in Mexico City, despite being established after New Perimeter began working in this country, is now deeply engaged in impactful pro bono projects like opposing budget cuts for after-school programs International Law, and providing free legal orientations to local communities DLA Piper Mexico.
In Ukraine, DLA Piper’s New Perimeter is partnering with Uzhorod National University Faculty of Law to develop a legal clinic that assists small businesses impacted by war. This initiative, coupled with pro bono courses for Uzhorod students, enables them to utilize their budding legal skills to support citizens in these challenging times New Perimeter Ukraine
DLA Piper’s global initiatives and experience lead to several key learnings for how to successfully develop pro bono programs. These include focusing on regions with unmet legal needs, collaborating with local institutions, tailoring training programs to local context and needs, encouraging open dialogue about community justice issues, promoting the importance and value of pro bono work for lawyers, and commitment to long-term engagement, since considerable change takes time to realize.
To learn more about the authors, DLA Piper’s Sara Andrews and Claire Donse, and their work on international pro bono initiatives, visit their profiles on the DLA Piper site: Sara Andrews, Claire Donse.
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