Lawyers Can Expand Access to Justice by Seeding Global Pro Bono

Around five billion people worldwide lack access to justice, posing a challenge to rule of law and societal development. This gap also undermines United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the ultimate objective of creating a better and more sustainable future for all. Inability to resolve legal problems can diminish access to economic opportunity, reinforce the poverty trap, and undermine human potential, which all impacts growth.

Lawyers can help address this justice deficit by encouraging development of pro bono initiatives around the world, especially in countries where legal aid is lacking or underfunded. With their global footprint and broad networks, international law firms are well-placed to lead the way in fostering a pro bono culture.

Our firm, DLA Piper, is an example of how international law firms can share experiences and model pro bono in jurisdictions that don’t have a history of pro bono service. We work with universities, civil society organizations, bar associations, and law firms to foster discussion, provide training, and help mentor the next generation of pro bono leaders.

Read the full Bloomberg article.

About DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their legal needs around the world. In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising.

About New Perimeter

New Perimeter is a nonprofit organization established by global law firm DLA Piper to provide pro bono legal assistance in under-served regions around the world to support access to justice, social and economic development and sound legal institutions. Founded in 2005 as a result of our firm’s commitment to support legal advancement worldwide, New Perimeter’s vision is to harness the skills and talents DLA Piper lawyers to further a more just world for all.

Contacts

Geneva Youel, Media Relations, DLA Piper, T. 213.330.7779