Pro bono news around the world
A regular feed of pro bono stories in the media and updates from across the global pro bono sector.
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From Bosnia to the Bar Council: Kirsty Brimelow KC on what pro bono can actually achieve
Kirsty Brimelow KC - Deputy High Court judge, elected Chair of the Bar Council, and one of the most prominent human rights barristers practising at the English Bar - recently visited LSE to speak to the Law Society's Pro Bono Division. What followed was a rare account of a legal career built, in large part, around pro bono work: not as a supplement to practice, but as its animating force.
Pro bono in a war zone: how Ukraine’s Diplomatic Legal Hub fills the gaps
Oleksiy Shevchuk is a Ukrainian lawyer who leads wartime initiatives through the Diplomatic Legal Hub, a project aimed at addressing the legal and administrative fallout of Russia’s invasion. The Hub delivers pro bono legal, advocacy, and coordination support to foreign nationals, volunteers, journalists, and businesses affected by Ukraine’s war. The Hub exists because Ukraine’s legal aid system for foreign nationals is limited, leaving them to navigate war damage, documentation loss, and crossborder legal complications largely on their own.
Youth Congress launches pro bono campaign for social media users as government crackdown intensifies
The Indian Youth Congress has launched ‘Digital Azadi’, a nationwide campaign offering pro bono legal support, platform-level intervention, and national amplification to social media users whose accounts or content have been withheld or removed by government orders. The takedowns have particularly targeted accounts that are critical of the Union government.
High Court of Australia rules ankle bracelets and curfews unconstitutional for people released from indefinite immigration detention
The High Court of Australia has ruled that forcing people released from immigration detention to wear ankle bracelets and live under curfews is unconstitutional.
UK refugee and migrant advocacy organisation details growing crisis in access to justice for asylum seekers
A report published last week by Migrants Organise warns of a growing ‘crisis in access to justice’ for people seeking asylum in the UK, citing a collapse in legal aid provision and increasing numbers of unrepresented claimants.
Women in Law Japan marks 10 years amid persistent gender gap in the profession
International Women’s Day this year was centered on the theme “Give to Gain,” emphasizing collaboration and mutual support. Presenters also highlighted the ongoing importance of pro bono work (professional services rendered voluntarily) as part of the organization’s activities.
IBA Pro Bono Award 2026 – call for nominations
The International Bar Association (IBA) is now receiving nominations for its 2026 IBA Pro Bono Award. The Award will be presented to the winner at a dedicated ceremony during this year’s IBA Annual Conference, taking place from 4–9 October 2026 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark.
How can Europe become a champion of child-friendly justice?
The Council of Europe and the European Union have launched a child-friendly justice assessment tool to protect kids in legal proceedings.