Technical Paper: Comparative Analysis of International and Russian Pro Bono Practices

Published on 30 June 2014 by Andrey Porfiriev and Marianne Mckeown This paper compares the pro bono practices and culture in six Council of Europe member states to pro bono activities in the Russian Federation.

There is no universally agreed definition of pro bono, but it is possible to glean a common understanding of what pro bono is from the guidelines and regulations available in different countries. Pro bono is legal work done by lawyers; for the public good, rather than for commercial interests; voluntary and uncompensated for the lawyer; free for the client; and delivered with the same professional standard as paid legal work. Pro bono and legal aid are sometimes used interchangeably and/or understood to mean the same thing. However this is not completely true, pro bono refers only to legal assistance provided without any compensation from the state or otherwise. Furthermore, pro bono is an adjunct to and not a replacement for state sponsored legal aid. Pro bono can mean free legal assistance to both individuals and non-governmental civil society organisations. In Europe most institutionalised pro bono is provided to organisations rather than individuals, usually because of a strong system of statutory legal aid available to individuals.

Andrey Porfiriev PhD, focuses on regulatory issues, legislative drafting, administrative law and resolution of disputes that frequently involve governmental authorities. He has extensive experience of liaising with state corporations at all levels.

His practice comprises execution of joint state projects, as well representation of interests of industrial, telecommunications, education, science, aviation and pharmaceutical companies.