Withers is committed to increasing access to justice and providing legal services without charge to those who cannot afford counsel, with the goals of improving clients’ lives, defending human rights, bettering communities and deepening our own professional experience.
We ensure that pro bono initiatives are integral to the way in which we operate as a law firm. Our global pro bono programme spans our offices and practice areas, and we do pro bono work with the same enthusiasm, resources and professional commitment that we devote to our billable work. All of our lawyers – from trainees to senior partners – have opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects that appeal to their interests and experience.
We help underserved and vulnerable communities tackle social problems and fight injustice.
Our pro bono work supports a range of important social causes including human rights, the environment, gender justice, racial equity, education and poverty reduction.
Our policy and approach
As lawyers, we are committed to using our unique skills and abilities to expand access to justice. Pro bono work is central to our philosophy.
The range and impact of our pro bono projects is an immense source of pride to me, and I am always impressed by how willingly our people give of their time and expertise to help others. I hope that our pro bono projects continue to deliver a positive impact in the years to come
We strongly encourage all of our lawyers to contribute time to at least one pro bono project each year, working to ensure that the diverse strengths and expertise of our teams are harnessed in our efforts to shrink the justice gap.
Lawyers can choose to do pro bono work in their own regions or collaborate with other offices for global pro bono projects. We have a globally consistent solicitation, intake and recording process for pro bono work. Specific allowances for pro bono hours credit are determined on a regional basis.
We believe in a collaborative approach to pro bono, and often work alongside different stakeholders including clients, legal service providers, community organizations, international organizations, government agencies, charities, non-profits, law schools and others to broaden the reach and amplify the impact of our pro bono efforts.
Partnerships
We are proud to support numerous pro bono partner organizations operating locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. We have assisted more than 50 organizations, ranging from charities, public interest organizations, law schools, legal societies and foundations to local governments. Our pro bono work has benefitted clients including kidnapped children, domestic helpers, Alzheimer's patients, same-sex couples, prisoners on death row, victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity, women requiring access to abortion rights and sexual and reproductive health information and services, veterans, asylum seekers, students, senior citizens, minorities in low-income communities and others.
I am tremendously proud to have worked at a firm where lawyers care about giving back, using their professional skills to help those who could not otherwise afford counsel. Withers' pro bono work, aside from being a global force for good, is instrumental in honing lawyers’ client skills and instilling a sense of fulfilment at work.
Key contacts
Ivan A. Sacks
Partner | New York
Jacopo Liguori
Partner | Milan
Julia Abrey
Consultant | London
Jocelyn Tsao
Partner | Hong Kong
Daniela Dimitriu
Legal project manager | London
Zoe James
Business Sustainability Coordinator | London
Jovana Crncevic
Special Counsel | New York
Robert Kovacs
Partner | London
Camilla Gambarini
Special counsel | London
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