Australian Pro Bono Centre | New editions of the Australian Pro Bono Manual and What Works launched

Issue 113: October 2016

New editions of the Australian Pro Bono Manual and What Works launched

Last week High Court judge, the Hon Justice Virginia Bell AC, launched the new editions of the Australian Pro Bono Centre’s two flagship publications:

The Australian Pro Bono Manual – A practice guide and resource kit for law firms (3^rd ed), and
Pro bono partnerships and models – A practical guide to What Works (2^nd ed).

The launch of these two companion publications was held at the offices of Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers and attended by representatives of Australia’s leading law firms and the legal assistance sector.

Together the Manual and What Works seek to facilitate the provision of pro bono legal services to address unmet legal needs and further access to justice.

The Manual, first published in 2003, is the leading Australian guide for law firms looking to establish, manage and develop their pro bono programs. Written by experienced pro bono professionals, it provides practical guidance on the key elements required to operate a successful pro bono practice, including a number of pro forma precedents generously contributed by participating firms.

In her foreword to the book Justice Bell says:

The Manual provides comprehensive guidance to the profession in the conduct of important work. It reflects a wealth of hands-on experience accumulated by the pro bono coordinators who have lent their assistance to the Australian Pro Bono Centre in its compilation. All associated with its production deserve to be congratulated.

Launch of the Manual and What Works — The three editors, writers and compilers of the *Manual* and *What Works* Afton Fife (Senior Policy Officer, Australian Pro Bono Centre), Leanne Ho (Pro Bono Development Senior Associate, Henry Davis York) and Sue Hunt (Policy Officer, Australian Pro Bono Centre) with her Honour, the Hon Justice Virginia Bell AC (High Court of Australia). *Photo by David Stone.*

What Works, first published in 2013, aims to help those involved in providing, seeking and brokering pro bono legal assistance to develop successful pro bono partnerships. For lawyers and firms offering pro bono assistance, and for community organisations seeking it, What Works provides a deeper understanding of how to build and strengthen relationships with pro bono partners; case studies identifying the features of successful pro bono projects; and how to address common challenges.

The Manual and What Works are published with the generous assistance of LexisNexis^®, a leading provider of legal information and an organisation committed to supporting professionals and organisations that work to further access to justice through its Rule of Law initiative.

Both publications can be purchased from LexisNexis^® and will be available on the LexisNexis^® online platform later in the year. Online versions of both publications are also available on the Centre’s website.