Lessons in Pro Bono from Sao Paulo, Brazil

Arriving at the Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo to participate in New Perimeter’s project teaching a short course on pro bono at FGV Law, I was relieved to find my cab driver waiting there for me with a neatly printed sign confirming that he was there to collect me. However, my feeling of relief was soon a thing of the past when I quickly remembered that I do not speak Portuguese and he spoke little English! Luckily, after breaking the language barrier with various hand gestures and head shakes we were on our way.

I soon realised that the streets of Sao Paulo and the city itself almost never sleeps and makes the traffic in Johannesburg seem like child's play in comparison.  After wrapping my mind around the traffic, I was soon met with kindness from the students participating in the course and the public in general. I further realised that where language skills were lacking, friendliness and warmth abounded.

My experience participating in the course and interacting with the students was truly unique and made me realise that there are in fact many similarities between Brazil and South Africa. To start both countries enjoy a good meal which would typically consist of lots of meat and even a beer!  However, on a more serious note both countries also share a similar economic climate with an evident disparity between income groups. This disparity makes it clear that there is an overwhelming need for pro bono legal services in a country with a population of 190,732,694 compared to only  650,068 registered lawyers.

The class consisted of approximately 30 participants comprised of students and practising lawyers alike. During the week long course the students shared their views on pro bono and public interest law practices in Brazil as a whole. They were further addressed by speakers, who provided a comparative overview on pro bono models around the world, including: Brazil, United States, Australia, China, Europe and South Africa.

After engaging with young and inspired minds, I left Sao Paulo hopeful that the youth of Brazil would pave the way for establishing a legal culture which supports and promotes pro bono practises.