Pro Bono Emeritus

The guide provides a structured framework to support retired and semi-retired Australian lawyers to engage in pro bono legal work. It aims to empower lawyers with the tools, knowledge and pathways to continue contributing to the community in their retirement. 

It outlines practical considerations including obtaining volunteer practising certificates (VPCs), professional indemnity insurance (PII), and meeting continuing professional development (CPD) obligations, ensuring that participation is accessible and well-supported. The guide also describes the key organisations within the Australian pro bono landscape, how retired lawyers can become involved in their work and what they can expect when first doing so. It is intended that this guide will reduce the uncertainty of, and barriers to, retired lawyers participating in pro bono legal work.

“… [R]etired and semi-retired lawyers can play a vital role in helping to bridge the access to justice gap. Their extensive legal knowledge, practical experience, and professional networks make them uniquely positioned to support people in need. Importantly, many wish to offer the time, commitment and readiness to contribute meaningfully to their communities through pro bono work.” 

Excerpt from the Guide

This guide is intended to assist retired lawyers who have ceased paid legal employment and are looking for ways to continue to use their legal skills and expertise to contribute to the community. The guide may also be of assistance to semi-retired lawyers who have partially withdrawn from practice but continue to engage in limited legal or related work, including part-time, consulting, contract, volunteer, or pro bono roles. Career-break lawyers can also draw insights from the guide. 

This guide complements other resources produced by the Centre that may assist lawyers to undertake pro bono legal work, particularly:

• the Australian Pro Bono Manual and
• Pro Bono Legal Work – A Guide for Individual Lawyers.