The fourth annual Pro Bono Week Ireland runs this week until 25 November and celebrates the role played by volunteer lawyers, all across Europe, in supporting civil society and human rights organisations and promoting access to justice for those in need.

Under the theme ‘Pro Bono in Times of Crises’, events this week seek to highlight the culture, work and necessity of pro bono practice.

The events have been coordinated by the Pro Bono Week 2022 committee, comprising of PILA (Public Interest Law Alliance), A&L Goodbody LLP, Arthur Cox LLP, Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, Matheson LLP, McCann Fitzgerald LLP and Deloitte Ireland LLP.

Pro Bono Week Ireland will be launched at 5.30 pm tonight by Attorney General, Paul Gallagher SC, at Deloitte, 29 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. 

“Engaging in pro bono work is an opportunity for a lawyer to exhibit commitment to justice and the public interest, benefitting those in society who need it most,” the AG said.

Opportunity to develop skills

“But it also enables lawyers an opportunity to develop their legal knowledge and skills and other essential expertise in delivering legal advice such as accessible communication and dedication,” he said.

FLAC chief executive Eilis Barry (pictured) said: “Pro Bono work is an important tool in identifying the extent of unmet legal need among disadvantaged groups and individuals and seeking to ensure that these needs are met.

“While pro bono work can never be a substitute for a comprehensive legal aid system, (which is currently under review), pro bono work demonstrates the unique and vital role that the legal profession can play in trying to redress the significant imbalance in our legal system.”

Further details of the week’s events are available online.