The Thomson Reuters Foundation has published the results of the Trust Law Index of Pro Bono for 2016. This index is a collation of information regarding the scale and trends of the pro bono sector internationally. Data has been included from 130 law firms in 75 countries, representing over 65,400 lawyers, giving a comprehensive insight into the resources currently being channelled into pro bono work for social causes across the world.
The vision behind compiling the information is to increase awareness of pro bono and to encourage its utilisation as an instrument of social change. The index is a helpful tool providing a unique snapshot on trends and growth areas within the sector, and is one of a number of initiatives generated by The Thomson Reuters Foundation to build support for pro bono and to equip lawyers to establish its practice in a sustainable and efficient manner.
The data collected measured both the average number of hours worked on a pro bono basis per fee-earning lawyer over a 12 month period, and the percentage of lawyers at a firm who worked pro bono for more than ten hours in the last year. Respondents were also invited to give information about policies and structures in place within firms such as a pro bono co-ordinator or committee, and whether their firm used incentives or targets to encourage lawyers to engage. Firms also gave information about specific focus areas. One notable aspect in the report shows in depth the particular response of lawyers to the international refugee crisis, with over 40% of firms recording ‘Immigration, Refugees and Asylum’ as a key focus area for pro bono work.
The findings of the report are very encouraging in that they show the prevalence of pro bono work is growing. During the past year, lawyers committed over 2.5million hours to freely giving legal services, averaging out at approximately one week per year, assisting individuals, NGOs, and various social enterprises. Traditionally, the highest levels of pro bono work is carried out in the UK, Australia and the USA, however the research also shows huge increases in hours carried out in South Africa and China.
Click here to download the full Trust Law Index of Pro Bono.