by Antonella Vallejos
As we start 2025, International Lawyers Project (ILP) looks forward to continuing its commitment to pro bono legal work with partners worldwide. The impact of pro bono efforts on vulnerable populations continues to shape our objectives, aligning closely with our mission to advance environmental and economic justice. We know that 2025 will bring new opportunities to support access to justice, advance the rule of law, and address pressing legal challenges, both locally and internationally. We will work closely with our partners and network of volunteers to expand our pro bono initiatives and promote impactful legal empowerment strategies throughout the year.
ILP is proud to have started supporting the Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales this year. Established by the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee, the initiative celebrates the dedication of pro bono lawyers who have provided at least 25 hours of free legal advice and support over the past year. This annual publication now includes chartered legal executives, SRA-registered foreign lawyers, and registered European lawyers, acknowledging and celebrating the invaluable efforts of a broad segment of the legal profession. ILP could not deliver its mission without the generous support of our legal volunteers, and are delighted to see these pro bono contributions being recognised.
The Pro Bono Recognition List is a guide for legal teams aiming to foster a culture of giving within the legal profession. Supported by key legal organisations and endorsed by the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the list highlights the profession’s collective commitment to pro bono work. Lawyers practising in England and Wales, whether in private practice or in-house, should submit their names for inclusion before 7 March 2025. The initiative not only acknowledges individual contributions but also sets a benchmark for pro bono excellence, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to engage in this essential work.
Beyond the UK, ILP remains actively involved in global pro bono activities. With its international scope, the organisation actively supports legal empowerment in regions where access to justice is most constrained. In this context, at the end of 2024, I was delighted to attend the Pro Bono Week in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Organised by the Buenos Aires Bar Association in collaboration with the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, the Americas Pro Bono Network, and TrustLaw, this event served as an essential platform to advance pro bono practices in Latin America.
The Pro Bono Week brought together numerous legal practitioners, providing a forum to discuss free legal support and strategies for strengthening access to justice, including differentiating pro bono and legal aid initiatives. The event showcased the collective efforts of lawyers and organisations committed to social justice and human rights advocacy. Collaborative sessions addressed practical ways to expand pro bono work across jurisdictions, reflecting the shared goal of fostering equitable access to legal services throughout Latin America.
Pro bono work remains a cornerstone of access to justice, offering free legal advice in regions where public legal aid resources are limited and unmet legal needs persist. Initiatives such as the Pro Bono Week in Argentina and the Pro Bono Recognition List in the UK highlight the interconnected nature of these efforts. By participating in and supporting these events, ILP highlights its role in bridging gaps between legal expertise and underserved communities, both domestically and abroad. These activities reflect a unified approach to addressing systemic injustices and ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
Antonella Vallejos is a Legal Fellow at ILP and a lawyer from Buenos Aires, she works within our Governance and Accountability and our Environment and Sustainability Programmes. Antonella previously worked at the Argentine chapter of Transparency International. She also serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Buenos Aires. Currently, Antonella is pursuing a Master’s degree in Constitutional Law and Human Rights from the University of Palermo.
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