TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono To Identify Global Trends

TrustLaw Connect, the Thomson Reuters global pro bono service, is launching the inaugural TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono, which aims to collect and analyze all pro bono work being undertaken by law firms on a country by country basis.

The first of its kind globally, the TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono will be invaluable to help spread the practice of pro bono around the world by highlighting successful pro bono programs and demonstrating the amount of pro bono being done globally. Law firms in every country are encouraged to contribute to the index.

What information will be collected from law firms?

• The average number of pro bono hours per fee earner per year
• Levels of engagement in pro bono matters across the firm
• The structure of pro bono practices
• Types of pro bono matters that firms are working on

Pro bono work continues to gain traction as concerns over financial inequality and access to justice for the poor continue to rise. Some states are even offering law students the opportunity to challenge the bar exam in exchange for pro bono service, displaying the pressing need for pro bono work in the new economy.

The results will be made publicly available free of charge to allow firms to examine global pro bono efforts and optimize pro bono cases and outreach to the disadvantaged. Firms can submit their survey responses until April 4, 2014. Results and analysis will be published in May, follow Clio on Twitter for more updates and news.