TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono

The TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono is the only global benchmarking report mapping the scale and trends of the pro bono legal sector.

Why participate in the Index of Pro Bono survey?

First launched in 2014, the TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono is a global report that maps pro bono practice and trends around the world. The 2024 report compiled comprehensive data from hundreds of law firms in more than 120 jurisdictions.

The survey for the 2026 Index of Pro Bono is now open for submissions. Here’s why your participation matters:

  • Help generate insights that shape robust and impactful pro bono programmes.
  • Your submission strengthens the collective dataset, meaning the global and regional findings are more impactful for you and your peers.
  • Have your firm represented in a high-profile global report. A decade of trusted measurement and analysis has cemented the Index as an essential resource for the legal sector.

We welcome participation from law firms of all sizes and across regions, as the more sector-wide data we have around pro bono participation, the better we can understand capacity and identify opportunities for growth and support.


Overview

The Index provides trusted global, regional, and country-level benchmarks on pro bono participation, without ranking or league tables. It also surfaces best practice and helps build understanding of how the sector is evolving.

The insights generated have helped firms to:

  1. Build internal support for pro bono programmes

  2. Drive higher engagement among lawyers

  3. Set targets

  4. Identify opportunities to strengthen their practice.

Take part in the Index of Pro Bono survey

Firms can participate by clicking the ‘Complete the surveyโ€™ button below. Once all the necessary data has been gathered, the survey typically takes around 30 minutes – 1 hour to complete. We encourage you to review the survey completion guidance and pre-submission checklist before submitting.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, 26th March 2026.

The Index would not exist without the dedication and transparency of the legal community. By taking part in our survey, you’re contributing to an invaluable resource that benefits the entire profession and the communities it serves.


Supporting documents

You can also get in touch with the team via our dedicated support email.


2024 findings

The 2024 Index compiled comprehensive data from 209 law firms in 123 jurisdictions representing nearly 100,000 lawyers.

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Lawyers globally are dedicating an average of 35.6 hours per year to pro bono – a full working week.

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Firms with a separate pro bono department performed 52% more hours.

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Firms with more senior roles in charge of pro bono reported nearly three times the average pro bono hours.

Pro bono is good for business

There is a clear and growing recognition among law firms around the world that pro bono work is more than just altruism โ€“ itโ€™s good for business. 73% of law firms who participated in the 2024 survey reported using pro bono work as a tool to train and develop their staff. And just under half (47%) reported that they used this line of work to retain employees.

Our 2024 report marked the Indexโ€™s 10-year anniversary, allowing us to look back on a decade of pro bono progress.


About TrustLaw

The Foundationโ€™s global pro bono legal network, TrustLaw, works with leading law firms and corporate legal teams to facilitate free legal support, research and resources for civil society organisations, social enterprises and non-profit independent media around the globe.

As the largest pro bono legal network in the world, TrustLaw draws on the expertise of more than 120,000 lawyers across 190 countries.

By providing global benchmarks and data-driven insights on pro bono practice and engagement, the Thomson Reuters Foundation empowers the legal community to expand support for civil society organisations and social enterprises, making the law more accessible to those who need it most.

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