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Pro Bono for an Inclusive Padel Community How Dentons and Pro Publico helped a grassroots padel community become a fully-fledged Belgian non-profit From WhatsApp group to vzw: the Jamii story When Tino Chibebe and his co-founders started Jamii, they had a simple idea: create a space where Black people and other underrepresented groups could feel …
Pro Bono Employment Advice for Civil Society Pro Publico matched a Brussels-based civil society organisation with the labour and employment team at the law firm Crowell & Moring, delivering expert pro bono employment advice at a critical moment. For many non-profit organisations, a legal dispute with a former employee is not just a legal problem. …
Tax Implications of a Cross-Border Fellowship Pro Publico matched the School for Moral Ambition with DLA Piper‘s Amsterdam team to deliver pro bono legal support on cross-border tax and payroll compliance. The Challenge: EU Employment Is More Complex Than It Looks Working across EU member states creates real legal complexity. When fellows split their time …
Pro bono tackling SLAPPs in Greece Pro Publico matched the European Implementation Network (EIN) with the global law firm Mayer Brown to provide pro bono legal research supporting the fight against SLAPPs and the effective implementation of freedom of expression judgments in Greece. Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies. However, across Europe, …
Pro Bono for Climate Education At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, civil society organisations working on climate action are proactively strengthening their legal and operational foundations. For organisations operating globally, establishing a stable legal base in Europe is a strategic way to ensure continuity and resilience of their mission. This was an opportunity that …
Financial access of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Exile Pro Publico matched the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) with a major global law firm to deliver targeted pro bono legal research for civil society in exile, addressing how EU anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) rules affect access to banking services. Across Europe, …
Pro Bono Legal Support for Female Entrepreneurship in Belgium How the global law firm Cleary Gottlieb provided pro bono legal support that strengthened #SheDIDIT’s governance and intellectual property safeguards. A Growing Need for Legal Protection in the Nonprofit Sector Nonprofits across Belgium increasingly handle intellectual property, personal data, and contractual relationships. As a result, pro …
Pro Bono on EU Funding Restrictions Pro Publico matched Civil Society Europe with a leading international law firm to provide crucial pro bono legal support in defending civic space across the European Union. This partnership emerged at a critical moment when new EU funding guidance threatened to silence civil society organisations engaged in advocacy and …
The Challenge of GDPR for Civil Society Understanding GDPR compliance for NGOs is a pressing concern. While most available guidance focuses on business-to-consumer relations, nonprofits working in advocacy and public affairs can face very different challenges that require more targeted and context-driven advice. The Case: Practical GDPR Questions for NGOs WWF sought clarity on several …
Pro Bono for Environmental Justice Pro Publico matched the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) with a major international law firm to provide pro bono legal support for environmental justice, strengthening civil society work on access to justice in environmental matters across Europe. Ensuring effective access to justice is a cornerstone of environmental democracy. Across the EU, …
Pro Bono to strengthen Public Participation through EU Environmental Law We were proud to connect the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) with the Belgian law firm Collectif Deprevernet, enabling targeted EU environmental law pro bono support to advance democratic participation in Europe’s renewable energy transition. As the European Union accelerates renewable energy deployment, public participation rights …
EU ANIMAL WELFARE LITIGATION We helped advance EU Animal Welfare Litigation Through a Strategic Partnership between a major law firms and the European Institute for Animal Law & Policy A New Push for EU Animal Welfare Litigation Pro Publico was proud to match The European Institute for Animal Law & Policy (EIALP) and The School …
Pro Bono for Minority Rights Advocates PILnet welcomed the Covington & Burling’s Brussels-based EU Public Policy team to deliver a hands-on session on legal framing for advocacy pitches during their MARIO Conference 2025 – strengthening the advocacy capacity of minority rights defenders across Central and Eastern Europe. Building Legal Capacity for Minority Rights Advocacy Across …
Protecting the Oceans Through Law: Safeguarding the EU Common Fisheries Policy The EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is a cornerstone of European ocean governance. It ensures that fishing in EU waters and beyond remains sustainable, protects marine biodiversity, and supports the livelihoods of coastal communities. Yet, under mounting pressure from certain industry interests, several Member …
Supporting Journalists Facing Threats Pro Publico matched Free Press Unlimited (FPU) with Hogan Lovells, supported by The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, to defend press freedom in Colombia through a high-profile case. The case focused on journalist Claudia Duque, who was tortured by Colombia’s former Deputy Director of the secret police, José Miguel …
Establishing a Belgian Legal Entity Pro Publico matched the fast-growing The School for Moral Ambition with the global law firm Dentons to establish a Belgian legal entity (ASBL/VZW) to directly oversee their Brussels-operations. Why This Cause Matters The School for Moral Ambition is dedicated to empowering the next generation of changemakers. Through its fellowship programme, …
Pro Bono for Renewable Energy We matched Sustainable Citizens, an Italian grassroots association from Liguria, with Laura Mazzei, Public Affairs Manager for the Green Transition and Industrials at FIPRA International, to strengthen their campaign for a more ambitious Regional Energetic And Environmental Plan (PEAR). Why renewable energy advocacy matters in Liguria Liguria’s PEAR sets the …
How Pro Bono Support Boosted the One-for-One Campaign We matched Fridays For Future and their allies with Senior Policy Advisor Giulia Neri to advance the One-for-One campaign in the European Parliament. Why the One-for-One Campaign Matters The One-for-One Campaign is a bold initiative designed to change the rules of European banking. It focuses on the …
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Can VAT Exemptions Cover NGO Suppliers? Pro Publico facilitated a successful collaboration between a Brussels-based civil society organisation and the international law firm Freshfields, enabling a strategic legal assessment on the VAT implications of delivering services to the European Commission. A VAT Question with Global Implications Legal uncertainty can hinder mission-critical opportunities for organisations working …
Pro Bono For Data Compliance Pro Publico connected a Brussels-based human rights and democracy network with Covington & Burling to deliver pro bono GDPR compliance assistance. GDPR and Pan-European NGO Networks EU data protection rules (GDPR) pose unique challenges, especially for unregistered networks operating across borders. Decisions around contact data – whether public or private …
Pro Bono to Tackle Food Waste Pro Publico matched Dianne Smits, a graduate student at Wageningen University, with top-tier EU regulatory & public affairs consultants at Freshfields to advance her mission of changing the EU food donation policy. The Problem: EU Food Waste and Missed Opportunities One third of food in the European Union is …
The Legal Launch of the Nordic Carbon Removal Association Pro Publico connects Nordic Carbon Removal Pioneers with DLA Piper to launch a new industry-led association. A United Nordic Front for Carbon Removal The Nordic carbon removal sector is rapidly emerging as a key player in Europe’s climate response. Yet until recently, there was no dedicated …
The Barnahus Model in the Netherlands Pro Publico connected Defence for Children – ECPAT Netherlands with the international law firm De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, enabling expert pro bono research to advance the implementation of the Barnahus model in the Netherlands. A Child-Centred Approach to Justice Across Europe, the Barnahus – literally “Children’s House” – represents …
Incorporating a Nonprofit in Germany: Legal Advice Fueling Collective Climate Action We matched the Climate Action Community (CAC) with top-tier lawyers from Latham & Watkins to support their mission by advising them on incorporating a nonprofit in Germany. From Anxiety to Agency: The Urgency Behind Climate Community Building As the climate crisis grows more acute, …
Pro Bono to Navigate Legal Complexities Impactful social initiatives should have access to the best legal expertise. That’s why the 89 Initiative, a forward-thinking policy research organization, was matched with Laurens Engelen, the pro bono partner of reference for the Brussels office of the global law firm Dentons. The result? Tailored pro bono legal advice …
Supporting a Think Tank Committed to a Green Future At Pro Publico, we believe that impactful civil society organizations deserve top-tier legal assistance. That’s why we matched the Brussels-based think tank Europe Jacques Delors (EJD) with leading global law firm Covington & Burling LLP. The result? A seamless pro bono collaboration that strengthened EJD’s legal …
Tax & Employment for a new CSO in Belgium Pro Publico received itself legal advice from the top-tier international law firm Freshfields, whose Brussels office provided comprehensive pro bono support on tax and employment matters. This collaboration is a great example of the type of pro bono legal assistance that can be offered to nonprofit …
Legal Support for UK Non-Profit Registration Establishing a charity in the UK can be a daunting task – especially for small, youth-led initiatives focused on mission-driven work rather than legal formalities. This was the case for RE-PEAT, a grassroots organisation advocating for peatland restoration, wanting to formalise their operations in the UK. We connected them …
Pro Bono for Carbon Removal The climate innovation non-profit Carbon Gap received pro bono legal support by the global law firm DLA Piper to set up a new legal entity in Brussels – an essential step in expanding their activities on carbon removal at the European level. Why Carbon Removal Matters The climate crisis demands …
Legal Assistance to champion Diversity in European Policy Diversity in policy debates is not just a matter of fairness – it’s a necessity for better decision-making. Unfortunately, women experts remain underrepresented in high-level discussions. The Brussels Binder was founded to change this by creating a widely recognized platform that highlights over 1,500 women professionals, making …
Pro Publico to improve Pharma Legislation Pro Publico connected the Anticancer Fund with legal powerhouse Crowell & Moring LLP which offered pro bono advice on suggested amendments to the draft text as proposed by the EC to the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation to promote equitable access to cancer treatments. Addressing Legislative Gaps in Pharma Regulation The …
Addressing Gender Disparities in Cambodia’s Justice System Women in Cambodia’s criminal justice system face systemic challenges, including arbitrary detention, lack of legal representation, and punitive sentencing. Approximately 73% of women in Cambodian prisons are incarcerated for minor, non-violent drug-related offenses. The rising number of women entering the prison system has highlighted the urgent need for …
Pro Bono for Human Rights Pro Publico facilitated a pro bono collaboration between leading global law firm Dentons and the Rule 39 Initiative to ensure it could continue its mission to provide emergency legal assistance to those at risk of human rights violations. The Rule 39 Pro Bono Initiative Since 2021, the Rule 39 Initiative …
Pro Bono for Accessible Prosthetics in Africa and Beyond We are proud to have matched Ugani Prosthetics with the exceptional legal experts at Crowell & Moring LLP to help advance their life-changing mission: providing amputees worldwide with access to affordable, high-quality prosthetics. The Cause: Affordable Prosthetics for All Millions of amputees globally face barriers to …
Pro Bono for the Rule of Law Pro Publico facilitated a collaboration between the World Justice Project (WJP) and top-tier law firms to support the creation of an index on rule of law and governance: this partnership is driving data collection that will inform both EU and global assessments of governance, enabling stakeholders to strengthen …
Pro Bono to Reform the EU A major international law firm offered legal research on a pro bono publico basis to empower Civil Society Europe with the right instruments to drive EU reform recommendations. Legal Research to Empower Civil Society Europe Pro Publico recently facilitated the collaboration between Civil Society Europe (CSE) …
Establishing a Nonprofit Association in Belgium Pro Publico connected a network of young leaders in Brussels with the legal expertise of Dentons’ Partner Laurens Engelen to explore their options for establishing a nonprofit entity in Belgium. The Cause: Empowering Youth-Led Change Through Legal Structure A group of young leaders connected in an informal network considered …
Belgian Hub for Female Entrepreneurship When #SheDIDIT, a Belgian organisation supporting women entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds, needed expert legal guidance to comply with new Belgian legislation, Pro Publico matched them with the legal expertise of Dentons Brussels. This pro bono partnership allowed #SheDIDIT to align its governance documents with the new legal requirements and support …
Pro Bono For Social Innovation Pro Publico successfully matched Brussels-based EASIN – the European Alliance for Social Innovation, with legal experts from Dentons to provide crucial pro bono legal assistance. This partnership contributed to advancing social innovation and democratic participation in Europe, aligning with the European Commission’s goals of a just and inclusive transition. …
Pro Bono for Language Statutory Updates Pro Publico partnered with Reed Smith’s Brussels office to provide ADRA Europe—the Adventist Development and Relief Agency’s European branch—with vital pro bono legal support. This assistance allowed ADRA to refine and validate its statutes in English, ensuring their operations comply with Belgian law and enhancing their legal foundation …
A Study on Food Waste & Donations Food waste is a significant issue in the EU, with millions of tons of edible food discarded annually. In an effort to address this, Pro Publico connected Wageningen University student Diane Smits with legal experts from Reed Smith to help transform her academic thesis on food donations into …
Pro Bono to Strengthen EU Engagement Pro Publico connected the Open Government Partnership (OGP) with Covington & Burling’s Public Policy Practice in Brussels. Covington’s advice focused on enhancing OGP’s engagement with the EU, aligning with OGP’s mission of advancing transparency, accountability and public participation in governance. Why EU Engagement Matters The EU is a powerful …
Pro Bono Enchanting Social Inclusion We take pride in connecting impactful civil society organizations with professionals offering their expertise pro bono publico. One of our successes was matching the Fédération des Centres Sociaux et Socioculturels de France (FCSF) with Athenora Consulting, a Brussels-based lobbying agency led by Natacha Clarac, to advance FCSF’s policy reform efforts. …
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Pro Bono to Supports Ocean Protection In today’s world, addressing environmental challenges requires the collective efforts of diverse stakeholders. We were glad to facilitate a partnership between Steptoe’s Brussels legal experts and the WWF European Policy Office to advance ocean protection policies within the European Union. This collaboration aimed to provide legal expertise to shape …
Pro Bono to Navigate the Digital Services Act and address Online Misinformation The rise of digital platforms has amplified the reach of information—and misinformation. As a non-profit focused on combating online misinformation, Science Feedback recognizes the importance of understanding and leveraging the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation stands to reshape the digital …
Pro (Bono) Publico to Democratize Access to Justice We are Pro Publico ASBL, a Brussels-based nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting civil society with top-tier law firms and public affairs consultancies providing their expertise pro bono publico. The organization aims to democratize access to justice and advocacy, enabling nonprofits and social impact organizations to achieve transformative …
Pro Bono for a Sustainable Future Addressing climate change and fostering sustainable initiatives require unwavering commitment – and sometimes, expert legal guidance. Climate Streamers Foundation, a women-led nonprofit advocating for climate justice and sustainable change, found itself in need of specialised legal support to strengthen its foundation. Financial constraints, however, made professional services challenging to …
Pro Bono for Rare Disease Advocacy When advocating for those with rare genetic conditions, it often takes more than dedication; it requires the right legal support. The Alpha-1 Europe Alliance, a new nonprofit advocating for patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, received essential pro bono legal assistance in forming its structure. This collaboration showcases how expert …
The EU AI Act for a Responsible Future The EU AI Act redefines artificial intelligence regulation. As the world’s first comprehensive AI law, this groundbreaking legislation has the potential to reshape how AI operates across sectors. But it also brings complex challenges in governance and enforcement. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring AI aligns …
Animal Health to prevent Pandemics The next pandemic could emerge at any time, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures that address the root causes. Over 75% of new human infectious diseases originate in animals, yet global underinvestment in animal health systems has led to critical shortages in veterinary professionals, medications, and disease surveillance. This …
Influencing Public Policy for Animal Welfare Public policy processes are often complex and challenging, particularly within national jurisdictions. For civil society organisations focused on animal welfare, these complications can limit their ability to influence legislative outcomes. However, through a pro bono collaboration with a leading international law firm, Eurogroup for Animals successfully navigated these barriers. …
Legal Pro Bono for Sustainability In today’s climate-conscious world, consumers want to make sustainable choices, yet they often struggle with misleading practices like greenwashing. Insusty, a women-led social enterprise, aims to simplify sustainable consumption by offering loyalty programs that make eco-friendly choices accessible for both consumers and businesses, with a focus on Gen Z and …
Can we clean Waste Management (EU) Funds? In the midst of Lebanon’s persistent waste management crisis, a powerful collaboration is driving actual change: the Reform Initiative For Transparent Economies (RITE), dedicated to monitoring internationally funded public projects in Lebanon. They have received valuable assistance through our free matchmaking service. RITE was born as a spontaneous …
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Policy Making to reduce Food Waste Public affairs experts at FIPRA volunteered their strategic advice to Generation Climate Europe, the main youth-led coalition network targeting climate and environmental issues. Waste Food no More Food waste accounts for about 5% of EU greenhouse gas emissions associated with the EU’s overall food consumption footprint. Halving food waste …
Preserving Europe’s Insect Populations and Saving Ecosystems Bee populations across Europe are in steep decline, threatening ecosystems and agriculture alike. In fact, 80% of the world’s plants depend on insect pollinators like bees to reproduce. To address this growing crisis, Beeazy, a charitable initiative based in Poland, sought the expertise of public affairs professionals through …