Pro Bono builds a culture of free legal aid in a changing society

Pro Bono builds a culture of free legal aid in a changing society | Photo: Dmitrij Paskevic

In a society marked by economic hardship and deepening inequality, access to justice often remains out of reach for those who need it most. For individuals unable to afford legal representation and for non-profit organisations defending the rights of vulnerable communities, the law can feel distant, even unattainable. Against this backdrop, Pro Bono Italia has emerged as a pioneering initiative, committed to transforming the legal landscape in Italy. Established in 2017, it is the country’s first independent network of lawyers, firms and associations dedicated entirely to advancing a culture of pro bono legal assistance.

At the heart of Pro Bono Italia lies a simple yet powerful conviction: the law should never be the privilege of the few but a safeguard for all. Its members, ranging from international law firms to solo practitioners, believe that justice is only equitable when it is accessible, and that legal expertise carries with it a civic obligation to serve the public good.

The Mission of a Cultural Shift

Pro Bono Italia is not only a service provider but also a movement seeking to change perceptions of the legal profession. Its philosophy rests on three guiding principles:

·       Promoting access to justice for individuals and organisations who cannot afford legal support.

·       Affirming the social responsibility of lawyers, recognising their role in advancing the common good.

·       Encouraging professional growth through volunteering, where the act of giving back enhances motivation, ethical standards and interdisciplinary skills.

In this way, the association bridges a gap in the Italian legal system, where pro bono work has no formal regulation, distinguishing itself from State legal aid. Its approach aims to normalise the idea that lawyers have a professional and ethical duty to ensure that justice is not withheld by financial barriers.

Activities That Create Tangible Impact

The organisation functions as both a hub and a catalyst. Through its online platform, requests for legal assistance are received and carefully reviewed by the Pro Bono Italia Clearinghouse, which evaluates their merit and directs them to the appropriate professionals. This structured process ensures that resources are applied where they can make the greatest difference.

To date, hundreds of cases have been addressed, ranging from labour law and family reunification to data protection compliance and children’s rights. These cases illustrate the breadth of the organisation’s reach, touching on issues that are both highly technical and deeply human.

Training and networking are equally central. Pro Bono Italia organises roundtables, workshops and seminars that bring together lawyers, academics, non-profit leaders and students. These forums not only transfer knowledge but also create a culture of dialogue within the legal profession. They nurture a generation of lawyers who understand their role extends beyond the courtroom, into the broader context of social justice.

Advocacy and International Partnerships

Pro Bono Italia also operates at a systemic level, working to influence the development of legal frameworks and ethical standards. It maintains strong ties with the global pro bono community, including PILnet, TrustLaw, the European Pro Bono Alliance, and the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice. Collaborations with leading law firms such as Latham & Watkins, DLA Piper and Hogan Lovells, as well as with university legal clinics, expand its reach and expertise.

At the same time, partnerships with civil society organisations like Save the Children, Amnesty International and the Italian Red Cross underscore its commitment to human rights and social cohesion. By building bridges between legal professionals and the non-profit sector, Pro Bono Italia reinforces the idea that collaboration is essential to addressing complex social challenges.

Towards a Sustainable Future of Justice

As global discussions emphasise the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10 on reducing inequalities and Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, Pro Bono Italia embodies a concrete step in this direction. By fostering legal volunteering as both a professional duty and a public good, it strengthens the democratic fabric of society.

The growth of pro bono culture in Italy is still in its early stages, yet the achievements of Pro Bono Italia demonstrate what is possible when civic-mindedness is institutionalised. Its work reflects a timeless truth: justice, when shared, becomes not only more accessible but also more sustainable.

More information: probonoitalia.org