New Resource Highlights What Works in Pro Bono Legal Partnerships

Pro Bono Partnerships and Models: A Practical Guide to What Works (“What Works”) was released today by the National Pro Bono Resource Centre (“the Centre”). It explores the full range of models of pro bono legal service delivery that now exist in what is an increasingly diverse and dynamic pro bono legal sector provided by Australian lawyers, and highlights the features of the effective use of each model.

What Works indicates that the key factors affecting the success of any pro bono partnership or project are the strength of the relationships between project partners, and the strength of the pro bono culture within the organisations that provide the pro bono assistance. What Works provides practical tips on how to encourage both.

John Corker, Director of the Centre said, “What is unique about this resource is that it shows the key benefits, challenges and features of effective projects using each service delivery model, along with real life case studies that illustrate the broad range of pro bono projects being undertaken by Australian lawyers.”

“This resource provides an important insight as to how and where pro bono works well, its strengths, but also its limitations when trying to address the unmet legal needs of people experiencing disadvantage. It aims to promote a better understanding across the legal profession, the community sector and government as to how pro bono legal services work, with a view to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of pro bono legal support”, said Corker.

“This is a great resource for firms looking to improve how they manage their pro bono legal program, lawyers looking for ways to become involved in pro bono work and community organisations who might benefit from pro bono assistance. Knowing what makes pro bono partnerships and projects work well is vital for those wanting to identify and engage in best practice”, said Corker.

Much of the pro bono legal work undertaken by lawyers and law firms relies on having good relationships with community organisations that work with the issues on the ground on a daily basis, and can provide pro bono lawyers with a link to the need. It is vital that both partners are adequately resourced to play their role in the provision of pro bono legal services”, said Corker.

What Works draws on the experience of those with extensive experience of delivering pro bono legal assistance in collaborative partnerships, including: pro bono clearing houses and referral schemes, law firms of all sizes, community legal centres, not-for-profit organisations, barristers, in-house counsel, government lawyers, and law schools.

“What Works provided partner organisations with the opportunity to provide constructive feedback that might not otherwise be provided. It contains de-identified quotes that provide perspectives and opinions on what has worked well, but also what has not worked well”, said Corker.

What Works is available free of charge:

• through the Centre’s website in an interactive PDF form at www.nationalprobono.org.au
• using the Thomson Reuters professional eReader, ProView™, with access facilitated through their website at www.thomsonreuters.com.au/whatworks for use:
• via the internet;
• downloaded to a PC, laptop computer or Mac; or
• on an iPad or tablet.

The National Pro Bono Resource Centre thanks Thomson Reuters.

For further information please contact: John Corker 0420 474 628 or 02 9385 7381.