CARBON GAP

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 urgent action, and carbon removal plays a crucial role in achieving net zero goals. Yet, this field remains underdeveloped in terms of policy and implementation. Carbon Gap is tackling that gap. As a science-based advocacy organisation, their mission is clear: to help Europe lead the deployment of carbon dioxide removal as part of the climate solution mix.

They provide rigorous scientific analysis and policy guidance to NGOs, EU institutions, and media alike – translating ambition into action.

A Growing Mission, Growing Needs

With offices in London and Brussels and a fast-growing team, Carbon Gap faced increasingly complex legal requirements. In particular, they needed legal help setting up a Belgian entity – a process made more challenging by post-Brexit regulations and evolving EU legal landscapes.

DLA Piper: A Global Pro Bono Champion

We connected Carbon Gap with DLA Piper, one of the world’s top law firms with a strong track record in public-interest law. Pro bono lawyer Anna Kalinichenko was instrumental in mobilizing Brussels’s partner Erwin Simons and associate Adam Safi to take on the case.

Legal Advice That Went Beyond the Basics

DLA Piper provided expert advice on Belgian non-profit law, navigating the specifics of legal entity registration, employment structures, and compliance. Their work included:

  • Drafting and reviewing documentation for the new Belgian NGO structure
  • Advising on employment and tax matters for their Brussels office
  • Supporting compliance with evolving EU and Belgian regulations

The team also helped translate bureaucratic language into actionable steps, allowing Carbon Gap’s leadership to stay focused on their core mission.

From Legal Clarity to Advocacy Expansion

Thanks to DLA Piper’s pro bono support, Carbon Gap successfully established its legal presence in Belgium. This new foothold in Brussels allows them to scale their advocacy efforts at the heart of EU policy making.

As Christoph Beuttler, CEO of Carbon Gap, shared:

“Pro Publico connected us with DLA Piper for pro bono support setting up our Belgian NGO entity—an otherwise complex and tricky process made simple by their deep expertise in Belgian law, proactive guidance through administrative hurdles, and genuine dedication to supporting public-interest organizations.”

The Power of Matchmaking

This collaboration is a perfect example of how Pro Publico’s pro bono matchmaking enables high-impact NGOs to unlock their potential with the help of world-class professionals. Without this connection, the legal complexity might have delayed or limited Carbon Gap’s expansion.

“We highly recommend Pro Publico to other NGOs; their exceptional pro bono support and extensive network of committed partners truly make a difference.” – Christoph Beuttler

If your NGO is facing legal, policy, or strategic challenges, submit your case to Pro Publico. We connect civil society actors with top-tier professionals willing to work pro bono publico.

 

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Thanks to @Christoph Beuttler @James Townsend @Anna Kalinichenko @Erwin Simons @Adam Safi @Carbon Gap @DLA Piper Brussels @DLA Piper Pro Bono @Pro Publico

 

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