Initiated in September 2022, the New and Developing Pro Bono Practices Network aims to be a support network for lawyers who are starting out or in the process of growing their pro bono practices. The discussion is aimed at supporting new and emerging pro bono practices in areas of practice development and management.
Each network meeting is joined by a range of members from across the pro bono community, including representatives from a number of mid-tier firms, members from the community legal centres, referral organisations, and other access to justice organisations.
With both virtual and in-person attendance available, all pro bono practitioners across the country are welcome to join!
For more information on how to get involved, email info@probonocentre.org.au.
Upcoming network meetings
No upcoming meetings.
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Previous network meetings
‘Blurred lines: pro bono practice and broader social impact’
Brisbane, Thursday 17 October 12-1.15pm AEST, at HopgoodGanim offices, Level 8, Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle St. Online attendance via Teams.
This network session addressed the varying scope of pro bono roles and the challenges and strategies for navigating a career while maintaining the integrity of a legal practice.
When the Honeymoon is Over: Strategies for Sustaining and Elevating your Pro Bono Practice
Melbourne, Tuesday 20 February 2024 1:00-2pm AEDT. Online attendance via Teams.
The discussion was designed to provide valuable support to new and emerging pro bono practices, offering guidance in the areas of practice development and management. This was a dynamic and interactive event, with a conversation led by Jilly Field from Gilchrist Connell, Leanne Collingburn from Hopgood Ganim, Garth Tinsley from Clyde & Co, Stephen Somerville from Barry Nilsson.
Rising Commercial Pressures: The Tactics of Communicating the Value of Pro Bono and Dispelling the Myths
Perth, Wednesday 15 November 2023 1:00-2pm AEST / 10.00 – 10.00am AWST. Online attendance via Teams.
The discussion was designed to provide valuable support to new and emerging pro bono practices, offering guidance in the areas of practice development and management. This was a dynamic and interactive event, with a conversation led by Jilly Field from Gilchrist Connell, Garth Tinsley from Clyde & Co, Stephen Somerville from Barry Nilsson and Gabriela Christian-Hare from the Australian Pro Bono Centre.
More than file-flicking: Getting the most out of working with Pro Bono Referral Organisations
Adelaide, Tuesday 14 March 2023 12:30-2pm. Online attendance via Teams.
The event took the form of a panel style discussion with Rebecca Ross of JusticeNet SA, Kate Fazio and Amy Schwebel of Justice Connect (NSW and VIC), Alana Dowley from Law Access (WA) and Rose Mackay from Law Right (QLD). We were also again joined by a few long-standing pro bono practitioners from Gilchrist Connell, Colin Biggers & Paisley, Hall & Wilcox, Barry Nilsson, Wotton + Kearney, HopgoodGanim, Lavan and others.
Building relationships with Community Legal Centres and Front Line Rights Organisations
Melbourne, Wednesday 23 November 2022
The discussion was aimed at supporting new and emerging pro bono practices in areas of practice development and management. We were again joined by a few long-standing pro bono practitioners from national practices Gilchrist Connell, Colin Biggers & Paisley, Hall & Wilcox, Barry Nilsson, Wotton + Kearney, HopgoodGanim, Lavan and others.
What practical steps can I take to build pro bono into the culture of my firm?
Sydney, Tuesday 13 September 2022
The discussion was aimed at supporting new and emerging practices in areas of practice development and management. We were joined by a few long-standing pro bono practitioners from national practices Gilchrist Connell, Colin Biggers & Paisley, Hall & Wilcox, Barry Nilsson, Hopgoodganim, Lavan and others.