Withers appoints Emma Lindsay as first global pro bono practice leader

International law firm Withers has appointed partner Emma Lindsay as its first global pro bono practice leader. Emma is a Dispute Resolution partner and US head of International Arbitration and Public International Law, based in New York.

In her new role, Emma will serve as Withers’ chief pro bono practitioner, devoting an important portion of her practice to leading significant pro bono representations personally as well as providing guidance and oversight to pro bono practitioners across the firm. In addition, as the pro bono practice leader, Emma will be charged with utilizing her extensive expertise and relationships to ensure Withers' global portfolio of pro bono matters continues to be maintained and developed to the highest standards of quality, achievement and public service impact.   

Withers’ global Head of Pro Bono and past chairperson of the firm, Ivan Sacks, comments: “Our commitment to providing pro bono legal services has been part of the firm's DNA for decades. While Emma will continue to maintain her market-leading practice in international arbitration and public international law, this appointment is a proud day for Emma and for Withers, reinforcing our commitment of resource and expertise at the highest level to ensuring the continued excellence of our pro bono programme.”

Emma adds: “I am excited to take on this new role and proud to be part of a firm that demonstrates its commitment to pro bono with a partner level appointment. From the war in Ukraine to reproductive rights in the United States, Withers has been at the forefront of harnessing the law to help underserved and vulnerable communities tackle social problems and fight injustice. I strongly believe that pro bono work can bring multiple benefits to a firm like Withers. We help those who are most in need and, in doing so, our lawyers gain opportunities to develop their skills and form strong ties within communities, both locally and globally.”

Amal Clooney, Co-Founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, said: “Emma is a brilliant international lawyer and has long been a leader in pro bono. I have seen first-hand how she inspires colleagues and clients with her passion and talent for practicing international human rights law. The Clooney Foundation for Justice and many other organizations count on Withers’ pro bono support and Emma’s appointment as the firm’s first global pro bono practice leader is an important indication of Withers’ shared commitment to the work we do together to seek justice for survivors of human rights abuses around the world.” 

Emma has two decades of experience working in pro bono, supervising the pro bono contributions of hundreds of lawyers over the course of her career. Emma’s own pro bono practice includes working on the legal task force advising the Government of Ukraine on accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion last year. Her recent work also includes representing the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health before the US Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center, which overturned the right to abortion and advising on negotiations for a new UN treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in the high seas, which, after almost 20 years of talks, was agreed by UN member states March 2023.

Withers’ global pro bono programme spans the firm’s offices and practice areas. All of the firm's lawyers – from trainees to senior partners – have opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects that appeal to their interests and experience. Withers' pro bono work supports a range of important social causes including human rights, the environment, gender justice, racial equity, education and poverty reduction.