New videos uploaded from the IBA Annual Conference Dubai 2011

Latest Article:

Changes to UK funding will limit access to justice internationally

The IBA's Pro Bono and Access to Justice Committee not only promotes awareness of how lawyers can get involved in pro bono, it also keeps a watching brief on access to justice in an international context. The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Bill currently going through the UK Parliament includes measures that, according to campaigners, threaten access to justice for people across the world. To read more on this article, click here

Pro Bono and Access to Justice session, Dubai 2011 - You know it makes sense: the role of pro bono in a well-managed law firm

Historically, pro bono was a priority issue for very few law firm managers. Individual lawyers were largely left to identify and pursue their own pro bono involvement. Most firms provided little more than tacit support and then subject always to that involvement not getting in the way of chargeable work.

Recent years, however, have seen a major change in outlook from many firms, with far more attention being given to the role pro bono has to play in the successful modern firm. This has, in no small part, been driven by client demands, often, in pursuance of their own corporate social responsibility agendas. But enlightened managers, as well as recognising the need to meet client expectations, have also begun to appreciate the other, substantial benefits that can accrue from the development of a vibrant pro bono ethos and practice within their firms.

Part 1: Click here to view part 1 of this session.

Part 2: Click here to view part 2 of this session.

Pro Bono and Access to Justice session, Dubai 2011 - Pearls and Swords: developing clinical law and pro bono programmes in the Middle East and Gulf regions

During the 19th century some of the traditional Middle East and Gulf countries were famous for their pearl-diving and sword-making. In modern developmental states pearls of wisdom are needed to advance social justice for all, and the rule of law replaces rule by the sword. Law schools and legal practitioners can play a crucial role in this respect by engaging in pro bono activities.
In recent years, in the Middle East and Gulf region, there have been a number of initiatives by law schools and bar associations to promote pro bono work. The session began with a panel discussion by law teachers and lawyers involved in some of these initiatives. It concluded with an interactive exercise in which academic and practising lawyers from the region, and lawyers from other jurisdictions, shared their experiences and encouraged further initiatives in the region.

Part 1: Click here to view part 1 of this session.

Part 2: Click here to view part 2 of this session.

Part 3: Click here to view part 3 of this session.

This site's series on best practices in academic clinics continues with its latest article:

Since 2006, the Pro Bono Collaborative (PBC) at Roger Williams University School of Law has provided free legal assistance to thousands of low-income individuals and families. Unlike referral programs, in which one attorney is matched with one client on an urgent basis, the PBC matches law firms and law students with community organizations to provide pro bono legal assistance in a specific area of law that affects a large number of the organizations' clients and fits within the expertise and/or interests of the law firms' attorneys. Read more>>

From IBA Global Insight:

Pro bono in Asia: striking a balance between commercial interests and political passions

Please see the IBA Pro Bono Declaration.

Please see the IBA website.

Please see the IBA pro bono project for Group Member firms and member bar associations.

Please see the International Rule of Law Directory website.