Pro bono clearinghouses, which act as "matchmaking" services between NGOs needing legal assistance and private sector lawyers willing to volunteer their time, have helped increase pro bono practice in Central and Eastern Europe. The Bratislava meeting on April 7 of representatives from pro bono clearinghouses in Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia highlighted local developments in pro bono practice and strengthened the efficacy of each clearinghouse through know-how exchange and networking. Each clearinghouse discussed their progress, shared their experiences and highlighted the struggles and successes of the previous year.