Pro Bono in the News – February 2018

Below you can find articles of interest to the pro bono community that have been published since our last edition. Click through to read any news article in full.

You can also follow the latest news in pro bono from Australia and around the world by following the Centre on Twitter: @AusPBC.

AUSTRALIA

Behind Closed Doors
4Corners – 13 February 2018
This investigative report into the exploitation of foreign domestic workers inside the embassies in Canberra reveals modern slavery in our shores. Featuring David Hillard of Clayton Utz and Jenny Stanger of the Salvation Army Freedom Partnership to End Modern Slavery.

Specialist Canberra legal service helping family violence victims, disabled could shut its doors in months
The Canberra Times – 12 February 2018
Specialist Canberra legal service helping family violence victims, disabled could shut its doors in months. They’re asking the ACT Government for $90,000 a year to keep the service running.

Every dog has its day (in court)
Justice NSW – 12 February 2018
Court appearances can be a stressful thing. But now that @NSWJustice and @DeltaSocietyAus are bringing therapy dogs to local courts, you might even look forward to your visit! WARNING: pun alert

Medical cannabis red tape forces thousands to turn to black market for pain relief
ABC News – 10 February 2018
Medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia for 2 years but Simon needed the help of a pro bono lawyer to obtain a prescription while bureaucracy means others are still buying on the black market.

Visionary Pro Bono Leader Recognised For Ongoing Commitment To Indigenous Participation In Legal Profession
Herbert Smith Freehills – 6 February 2018
HSF’s global Head of Pro Bono and Pro Bono Counsel, Brooke Massender, was recognised for her work in favour of Indigenous participation in the legal profession.

Xenophon commits legal funds as service pleas for justice
InDaily – 5 February 2018
In the lead-up to the South Australian state elections, SA Best leader Nick Xenophon says recurrent funding for JusticeNet SA is a “no-brainer”.

New Leadership For Community Legal Centres NSW
Community Legal Centres NSW – February 2018
CLCNSW has a new Executive Director! Read more about Tim Leach here.

President’s Message
The Law Society of South Australia – February 2018
Another new leader by the name of Tim. Read about Tim Mellor’s vision and plans for 2018.

INTERNATIONAL

UK: Law firms and access to justice: Why the 1% should pay 1%
­Lawyer 2B – 28 February 2018
Lawyer Tony Williams argues that major law firms should donate money to improve access to justice, in addition to undertaking pro bono legal work.

Cambodia: Phnong want damages for Sesan flooded graves
The Phnom Penh Post – 27 February 2018
Members of the Phnong ethnic minority is seeking compensation for the flooding of their ancestral graves, and a Cambodian lawyer is assisting them on a pro bono basis.

UK: Could New York-style mandatory pro bono work here?
Legal Voice – 23 February 2018
Pros and cons and things to consider in relation to mandatory pro bono for admission to the Bar. Reflections on the New York system, from the UK.

US: Opportunities abound: Embrace non-traditional pro bono
ABA Before the Bar – 21 February 2018
‘Non-traditional’ pro bono: why and how to think outside the box in pursuing pro bono opportunities.

US: Developing a pro bono programme in a law firm
Globe Law and Business – 16 February 2018
Some practical insights from Weil Gotshal & Manges about things to consider in developing a pro bono program at your law firm.

US: The Overlooked Importance Of Firm Pro Bono Work
Above the Law – 9 February 2018
Pro bono work may be justified on its own merits, but pro bono work can contribute to long-term professional diversity too.