News

Pro Bono in the News – September 2018

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.

Q&A with Davyd Wong of the Hong Kong Conference Organising Committee for the Asia Pro Bono Conference

We spoke to expat Davyd Wong, Chair of the Hong Kong Conference Local Organising Committee and in-house counsel at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, about pro bono in Hong Kong and this year’s Asia Pro Bono Conference.

Pro Bono in the News – March 2018

A list of articles of interest to the pro bono community that have been published since our last edition.

Technology to tackle exploitation of foreign workers

Last month, we wrote about wage theft and the firms undertaking pro bono legal work to secure justice for exploited temporary migrant workers. Shortly afterwards, 4Corners aired an investigation into modern slavery happening inside Canberra’s embassies and the foreign workers that are tricked into inhumane conditions as domestic servants in the nation’s capital. With the plight of temporary migrant workers increasingly under the spotlight, the Diplomacy Training Program’s (DTP) Migrant Worker International Law Reference Tool is a timely resource for advocates.

Asia Pro Bono Conference continues to emphasise education and empowerment

The focus of this conference continues to be on education and empowerment with a significant number of students attending particularly from the University of Malaya, but also students from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane and the University of Newcastle. Staff and students from the law faculties of the Universities from the region and NGOs made up about 20-25 per cent of the audience. This, together with the many lawyers from less developed countries in the region and its participatory style gives this conference a unique informality and dynamism.

PILnet Global Forum inspires in Budapest

It was fitting that the 2017 Global Pro Bono Forum (16-19 October 2017) was held in the place where PILnet established its first European clearing house in 2006. Celebrating 20 years since its inception, PILnet staged a forum that brought together many committed and talented public interest lawyers and pro bono enthusiasts to deliver an informative, thought-provoking and inspiring event. Notable was the depth of knowledge and experience of presenters.

The conference was held against the backdrop of pressing issues in Hungary concerning defence of the public interest and respect for the rule of law.

PRO BONO IN THE NEWS: August 2017

Links to stories of interest to the pro bono legal community that you may have missed. You can also stay up to date on the latest pro bono news by following the Centre’s Twitter feed @AusPBC.

Legal matches to meet pro bono needs

The advent of online legal matching services demonstrates how technology is transforming the practice of law. There are already a growing number of online initiatives pairing lawyers with employers and clients. It’s good for business – but what can it do for pro bono?

Report highlights access to justice needs and opportunities in Hong Kong

A new report prepared by DLA Piper and PILnet focuses on unmet legal need in Hong Kong, identifies legal services gaps across government, legal NGOs and pro bono legal service providers and recommends a way forward.

Legal assistance in the UK supports Grenfell victims

Here are our Top 2 picks of the articles that have been circulating on the topic of the legal assistance sector and the unity of the legal profession in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

Upcoming conferences

Upcoming conferences in 2017 include the NACLC conference (9-11 August, Canberra), the Sixth Asia Pro Bono Conference (30 September-2 October, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), and the PILnet Global Pro Bono Forum (16-19 October, Budapest, Hungary).