To commemorate the 2025 United Nations Public Service Day on 23 June, the International Bar Association (IBA) - the global voice of the legal profession - is highlighting the value to individuals and communities of pro bono work undertaken by law professionals and specifically that of the IBA Pro Bono Committee .
IBA President Jaime Carey, commented: 'The value of pro bono work cannot be overestimated. Lawyers are ensuring access to justice for people who cannot afford legal representation by offering their skills without charging. These are not just admirable deeds but also real-world examples of a dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to justice. By maintaining the values of fairness and equality before the law, which are central to IBA goals, pro bono work also reflects important contributions to society. I urge all law professionals to search for and commit to pro bono work however they can in support of justice systems.'
Almost 20 years ago, in 2008, the IBA Pro Bono Declaration was published, which the IBA Pro Bono Committee works to promote. Recognising pro bono work as a cornerstone of access to justice, the Declaration aims to foster a culture of service within the legal profession and calls upon lawyers and law firms to dedicate a portion of their time and expertise to providing legal assistance to those who cannot afford to pay for it. The idea of a fairer, more equitable world served as the inspiration for the Declaration as well as:
- access to justice being essential to liberty, fairness, dignity, progress, development and the rule of law; and
- effective legal representation and advice not being just for those that can afford it but also for the poor, underprivileged and marginalised.
Presently, against a backdrop of increased political and socio-economic instability, the Declaration is being updated by the IBA Pro Bono Committee in consultation with other IBA Committees. In addition, the IBA Pro Bono Committee Co-Chairs, Arturo H Banegas Masia and Flavia Regina de Souza Oliveira are engaged in extensive projects including:
- conducting global surveys to aid in assessing the impact of pro bono from different perspectives; and
- liaising with different pro bono organisations around the world to develop a programme of activity to raise awareness around this valuable work and source potential opportunities for lawyers seeking opportunities to 'do good.'
Mr Banegas Masia directs a message to peers: 'As pro bono work receives greater attention these days, there has never been a better time to get involved. Join your colleagues in championing access to justice - your efforts will change lives, including your own. Working as a pro bono attorney is not only a profound service to those who need it most - it is also deeply rewarding for those who answer the call. By dedicating your time and expertise to pro bono work, you help open the doors of justice to individuals and communities who would otherwise be left without a voice.'
Ms de Souza Oliveira said: 'Pro bono comes from the Latin "for the good", and in my opinion that is exactly what it is. Pro bono is a strong expression of justice since lawyers donate their time and talent for those who could not access legal assistance, granting the most vulnerable an active voice towards change.'
The IBA Pro Bono Committee website pages offer free resources including digital content, case studies and articles highlighting pro bono efforts by legal professionals, as well as opportunities to increase the scope of work.
Examples of pro bono making a difference are recorded in the below articles, as well as advice for getting involved with pro bono work:
- Pro bono legal support to survivors and families of victims of apartheid-era crimes
- Recognising the rights of a river with pro bono support
- The relevance of pro bono advocacy in protection of the rights of migrants and refugees in Brazil
- A pro bono career path: a guide for lawyers
To celebrate, support and honour the dedication of those who advocate for underserved and marginalised communities, the IBA with the support of partner LexisNexis , annually presents the IBA Pro Bono Annual Award to a lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding pro bono service in their legal career.
The 2024 recipient of the Award was Vineetha MG from India who partnered with non-governmental organisations supporting marginalised communities on issues such as gender equality and microfinancing, gender-based violence, child sexual abuse and the abolition of child marriage. The 2025 Award will be presented at this year's IBA Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada , taking place from 2-7 November.
COMING SOON: The results and analysis of a survey conducted to ascertain the impact of pro bono work and 'The impact of pro bono: interview series'.
