Pro bono news around the world

Opinion: Self-represented litigants need pro bono support

Millions of self-represented litigants (SRLs) appear in state and federal courts each year, with some jurisdictions seeing as many as 75% to 97% of litigants go without counsel in certain civil matters. But those figures come at a serious cost. SRLs lose 80-90% of civil cases – often where their housing, physical safety and finances are at stake.  

How grassroots legal aid helps women and girls reclaim their dignity across Bangladesh

Women in Bangladesh facing domestic violence, dowry abuse, or child marriage frequently encounter enormous barriers before they can even seek legal help. But community-based legal aid is empowering them. The Social Empowerment and Legal Protection program is not only providing legal assistance to women in need but also working to help them reclaim dignity as girls increasingly resist child marriage, and communities slowly rethink deeply rooted social norms.

Opinion: Beyond billables – how pro bono elevates big law

In large law firms, pro bono work is sometimes viewed with hesitation. With demanding client expectations and internal pressure to meet billable‑hour goals, firm leadership may worry that encouraging pro bono participation will detract from revenue-generating work. But this perspective overlooks the meaningful—and strategic—benefits that pro bono engagement brings to clients, attorneys, and the firm as a whole. 

Record 5,550 lawyers in England and Wales recognised for dedication to pro bono

The Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee is proud to announce the publication of the third annual Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales, with over 5,500 lawyers across England and Wales recognised for their dedication to providing pro bono and helping ensure access to justice for those without legal support.

Free legal aid for Ukrainians with disabilities

The Ukrainian government is offering free legal services to citizens with disabilities that can be accessed from their homes. This initiative aims to provide legal support to individuals who cannot visit a lawyer’s office on their own.  

Latin American law firms: responses due to annual pro bono survey

There's only a few days left to complete the joint annual survey run by Latin Lawyer and the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice. Law firms across Latin America can take part in the survey, which helps to track how pro bono practice is being institutionalised across the region, highlights the efforts and achievements of participating firms, and encourages more firms to follow suit. 

The last day to submit is Wednesday 6 May. You can access the survey here.  

Pro Bono Program offers legal help to NC residents

Rather than taking vacations during school breaks, UNC School of Law students travel around North Carolina to assist residents with legal issues.

Winners of the LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards 2026 announced

LawWorks is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 LawWorks and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards, kindly sponsored by LexisNexis UK.