This year marked a milestone for our organisation: the first edition of the Pro Publico Awards, held during the celebration of our first year as an independent assocation. We created these awards to recognise pro bono work not only for its outcomes, but for the collective energy, values and commitment that make such work possible.
The awards were designed as a tangible symbol of resilience and dignity, celebrating the powerful collaborations that unfold when legal and public affairs experts work alongside civil society actors. Each nominated project reflects a shared effort to strengthen democratic participation, expand civic space and support missions that serve the public good. All of them deserve praise and recognition- and together, they showcase what pro bono can achieve at its best.
Pro Publico Excellence Award
This award celebrates an individual or team whose pro bono legal or public affairs work delivered exceptional, practical impact for the beneficiary and its social mission.
Criteria include:
- Demonstrable, measurable impact on the beneficiary’s mission.
- Clear evidence of strengthened organisational capacity.
- Innovative legal or strategic solutions tailored to real needs.
Winner: Covington & Burling for the Open Government Partnership
Covington’s work went far beyond regulatory compliance. By designing a governance and regulatory framework that strengthens OGP’s ability to advance open democracy across Europe, their support enhances long-term stability and impact. It is a model of pro bono excellence. Our thanks and congratulations to Pauline Agius, Matthieu Coget, Atli Stannard and Bart Szewczyk, and to pro bono coordinator Staś Kuźmierkiewicz.
Pro Publico EU Law Award
This award honours outstanding pro bono initiatives that navigate and shape EU law and policy, contributing to systemic change at European level.
Criteria include:
- Advancing understanding and enforcement of EU law.
- Supporting Europe-wide advocacy or innovation.
- Delivering outcomes that facilitate legislative or policy improvements.
Winner: Steptoe for the WWF European Policy Office
Their legal memorandum provided WWF with a powerful blueprint for strengthening EU marine conservation policy. By combining rigorous EU law analysis with strategic policy insight, Steptoe significantly enhanced WWF EPO’s capacity to influence legislative proposals and institutional agendas on ocean protection. It is a striking example of how pro bono can enable systemic change.
Warm thanks to Elli Zachari and Eva Monard, together with Zanda Romata and Roman Spangenberg, and to pro bono coordinator Byron Maniatis.
Pro Publico Leadership Award
This award recognises pro bono coordinators and champions whose leadership expands the culture, reach and impact of pro bono practice.
Criteria include:
- Sustained leadership and commitment over time.
- Ability to mobilise colleagues and connect work across jurisdictions.
- Promotion of pro bono as a tool for access to justice and democratic participation.
Winner: Laurens Engelen (Dentons)
Laurens has demonstrated exceptional leadership across fields and borders. From supporting the creation of nonprofit associations in Brussels, to driving projects on women’s entrepreneurship, social innovation, climate action and governance reform, his work stands out for its breadth and tangible impact. Beyond coordinating cases, Laurens mentors colleagues, builds a culture of service and exemplifies the transformative potential of pro bono leadership in Europe.
Thank you, Laurens.
The first edition of the Pro Publico Awards was an opportunity to honour not only excellence in pro bono work, but also the values that make these efforts meaningful. We are grateful to all nominees, partners and artisans who helped bring this vision to life – and we look forward to celebrating many more stories of impact in the years ahead.