Lawyers Can Expand Access to Justice by Seeding Global Pro Bono

Around five billion people worldwide lack access to justice, posing a challenge to rule of law and societal development. This gap also undermines United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the ultimate objective of creating a better and more sustainable future for all. Inability to resolve legal problems can diminish access to economic opportunity, reinforce the poverty trap, and undermine human potential, which all impacts growth.

Lawyers can help address this justice deficit by encouraging development of pro bono initiatives around the world, especially in countries where legal aid is lacking or underfunded. With their global footprint and broad networks, international law firms are well-placed to lead the way in fostering a pro bono culture.

Our firm, DLA Piper, is an example of how international law firms can share experiences and model pro bono in jurisdictions that don’t have a history of pro bono service. We work with universities, civil society organizations, bar associations, and law firms to foster discussion, provide training, and help mentor the next generation of pro bono leaders.

Through New Perimeter, our global non-profit affiliate, we provide workshops on pro bono and public interest lawyering to law students worldwide. In Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, Ukraine, Nepal, Laos, and South Pacific island states, we have led sessions exploring the concept of pro bono, why lawyers should engage, and how they can use their skills to meet the legal needs of their communities.

New Perimeter has worked with Mexico Appleseed and its executive director, Maru Cortazar, for more than 15 years to help support the development of pro bono within the Mexican legal profession. This has included assisting Appleseed in developing the Mexican Pro Bono Network, as well as teaching courses on pro bono and related topics to Mexican law students.

The work is locally led, with 72 law firms now in the Mexican Pro Bono Network. New Perimeter began working in Mexico before DLA Piper had an office there. Now, one of our Mexico City partners serves on Appleseed’s board, and the office is engaged in a variety of impactful pro bono projects, including successful efforts to prevent budget cuts for after-school services and provision of free legal orientations to local communities.

Students who have attended our courses in Mexico are now developing pro bono opportunities for their law firms, setting up their own non-profits, and making their mark on the legal landscape. These lawyers are multiplying impact by cultivating an ethos of service and social responsibility among the legal profession.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, New Perimeter is working with Uzhorod National University Faculty of Law, a law school in the western part of the country, to develop a legal clinic supporting small businesses affected by the war. We’re also delivering courses on pro bono to Uzhorod law students, who are keen to use their developing legal skills to help their fellow citizens during a very challenging time.

Some of the lessons we’ve learned doing this work globally include:

Focus on regions where there is unmet need. This means regions where justice needs aren’t being met by the government or other actors, and where private legal sector lawyers have capacity and drive to help.

Collaborate with local institutions. Forge relationships with law schools, bar associations, and civil society organizations to maximize impact and ensure the project is locally owned and sustainable.

Tailor training programs. Approach stakeholders with curiosity and learn about the legal landscape, cultural sensitivities, and social challenges in the country in which you are working. Be prepared to learn as much as you are teaching.

Foster open exchange. Engage in frank conversations with students, legal practitioners, and nonprofits on challenges of accessing justice in their community. Speak openly about the challenges in your home country to break down barriers. Encourage people to reflect on the key issues facing their communities, their root causes, and how lawyers might be able to help.

Explain why it is important for lawyers to do this work. Highlight the benefits both for communities as well as for lawyers.

Play a long game. Change takes time. Consider making a multi-year commitment to pro bono training and support efforts.

While the model and approach used in each country is likely to differ, the ultimate goal is to encourage lawyers to consider how best to address unmet legal needs in their communities.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc., the publisher of Bloomberg Law and Bloomberg Tax, or its owners.

Author Information

Sara Andrews is senior international pro bono counsel at DLA Piper and co-director of New Perimeter, which provides long-term pro bono legal assistance in underserved regions.

Claire Donse leads DLA Piper’s pro bono practice and is co-director of New Perimeter. She also oversees the firm’s global scholarships Program.

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