Unlikely Partnerships: Law Firms and NGOs to collaborate at annual European Pro Bono Forum, November

Oct. 20, 2008 - PRLog -- The Public Interest Law Institute (PILI) is providing another major opportunity for lawyers and law firms around the world to give back to their communities – and by extension, to make a significant impact on the development of global civil society. On 5-7 November in Budapest, Hungary, PILI will host the second annual European Pro Bono Forum, an international conference aimed at increasing pro bono practice throughout Europe.

The Forum is the only major convening of lawyers in continental Europe to dicuss and learn about pro bono work. More European lawyers are seeking ways to volunteer legal help, yet often they have difficulty connecting with the people who need it the most. NGOs, working with poor and marginalized groups, are aware of the needs of the community but struggle to find affordable legal representation due to limited resources.

Moreover, while organized pro bono practice has a long tradition in the United States and has spread rapidly in the United Kingdom, elsewhere its growth has been slow. In Europe, commitment to pro bono is growing, as evidenced by increasing law firm support for PILI’s efforts. “The Forum is a chance for law firms and NGOs to build lasting working relationships,” emphasizes PILI founder and Executive Director Ed Rekosh. “Together they can harness the resources of the private and third sectors to ensure greater legal assistance to disadvantaged groups in a very tangible way.”

More than 130 lawyers and NGO representatives from Europe and beyond are expected to gather at the European Pro Bono Forum in Budapest. Sponsored by nineteen major international law firms, the Forum will feature interactive workshops to help NGOs identify their own legal needs and those of the populations they serve.

PILI’s inaugural European Pro Bono Forum (October 2007) introduced NGOs to legal practitioners and their efforts to extend free legal resources to the wider community. This year’s Forum – with its amplified focus on Europe – will build upon these first steps, showcasing firms that have successfully managed pro bono projects for NGOs.

Péter Köves, President of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the important role bar associations can play in promoting pro bono practice.

The Forum is only one of PILI’s initiatives to harness the momentum for pro bono in Europe. PILI runs several pro bono “clearinghouses” – essentially matchmaking services – through which NGOs submit legal issues to lawyers willing to take on matters for free. In addition to its Global Clearinghouse, PILI’s clearinghouses are thriving in Hungary (see http://www.probonougyved.hu) and Russia, with plans underway for one in China. PILI also supports sister clearinghouses in Poland (http://www.centrumprobono.pl/en/) and the Czech Republic (http://www.probonocentrum.cz/english).

To coordinate its international pro bono strategy, PILI recently formed the Pro Bono Advisory Council, headed by Honorary President Lord Andrew Phillips of Sudbury. Co-chairs Stephen Denyer (International Development Partner, Allen & Overy), Stuart Popham (Senior Partner, Clifford Chance), and Hugh Verrier (Chairman, White & Case) will help drive forward programs like the annual Pro Bono Forum and other global pro bono efforts.

“The greatest role a global law firm can play is to help build the rule of law around the world,” said White & Case Chairman Hugh Verrier. “White & Case is pleased to partner with PILI to promote pro bono practice and make a difference in the global community.”

PILI’s effort to increase and organize pro bono practice through international conferences and clearinghouses ultimately translates into leveling access to legal help – in other words, increasing access to justice for all.

To learn more about the 2008 European Pro Bono Forum and to register, visit http://www.probonolawyer.eu or contact Atanas Politov at apolitov@pili.org.

# # #

The Public Interest Law Institute (PILI) is an international organization that advances human rights around the world by stimulating public interest advocacy and developing the institutions necessary to sustain it. PILI conducts its work from hubs in Belgrade, Budapest, Beijing, Moscow, and New York.