Many lawyers want to use their skills for the public good. Few know where to start. That is why Pro Publico offers pro bono sessions for law firms: short, practical introductions held at the firm’s own office.
In each session, we explain who we are, how our matchmaking works and how lawyers can support civil society through concrete, well-scoped projects. The format adapts to each firm, its practice areas and its pro bono goals.
Who we are
Pro Publico is a Brussels-based nonprofit operating as a pro bono clearinghouse. We connect civil society organisations with law firms and public affairs consultancies that offer their expertise pro bono publico: free of charge for the public good.
We are not a law firm, and we do not give legal advice ourselves. Instead, we vet requests, understand what both sides need, and make trust-based introductions. Our service is entirely free for civil society. It is funded by membership contributions from our partner firms, which keeps us independent.
What a pro bono session covers
Each session gives lawyers a full picture of pro bono for civil society, from the cases we handle to the tools that help it grow inside a firm. We usually cover:
- Pro Publico in numbers: the cases we have matched, the professionals and member firms involved, and the value of their work for civil society.
- Who asks for help: organisations and movements, civic startups, social entrepreneurs, think tanks, international agencies and other civil society actors working in Belgium, at EU level, across Europe and internationally.
- The requests we receive: the jurisdictions and areas of law involved, with examples of cross-border, cross-practice and sometimes even cross-firm collaborations.
- The Brussels pro bono community: the Brussels Pro Bono Roundtables, European Pro Bono Week, the Pro Publico Awards, the Pro Bono Recognition List and the place of legal pro bono in the EU Civil Society Strategy.
- A pro bono toolbox: practical ideas to build pro bono inside the firm, from governance and pipeline to people, community and measurement.
- Open requests for assistance: live pitching of current opportunities lawyers can take on right away.
Why firms host a session
A session gives lawyers a clear picture of the pro bono landscape in Brussels and across Europe. More importantly, it shows how their day-to-day expertise can help organisations working for the public interest.
Civil society needs support in many areas, including employment law, intellectual property, data protection and nonprofit governance. As a result, almost every practice group has something valuable to offer.
For pro bono coordinators, the session is also a practical tool. It helps them engage colleagues who are curious about pro bono but have never taken on a project. It also introduces our wider community, such as the Brussels Pro Bono Roundtable and the Pro Publico Awards.
A flexible format
Sessions can take place over lunch, at a pro bono committee meeting or as part of a team meeting. We tailor the content to the audience, from trainees discovering pro bono to partners shaping their firm’s strategy.
Host a session at your firm
Would your firm like to learn more about pro bono for civil society? We would be glad to visit your team. Write to us at [email protected] to organise a session.
If your civil society organisation needs legal support, you can submit a request through our form.