Pro Bono in India in the Pandemic: A Challenge for the Development Sector

Pro Bono Legal Services in Zambia: A Leap towards Greater Access to Justice

Interest in Pro Bono on the Rise in Colombia

Argentina’s Pro Bono Status Quo: Challenges Ahead as We Navigate the Decade to Deliver

Access to Justice in Brazil: A Permanent Challenge worsened by the Pandemic

Ukraine Sees Pro Bono Peak due to Russia’s Invasion

Pro Bono in the Czech Republic: A Patchwork Approach

Solo nature of legal work in Serbia hinders pro bono progress

Pro Bono to Bridge the Justice Gap in Nepal

Pro bono work in Guatemala: Opportunity for Knowledge, Experience and Change

Pro Bono in Spain: Responding to Coronavirus and Russia’s War in Ukraine

Pro bono in Mexico must expand to support NGO's

A Conducive Environment for Pro Bono is Developing in India

Building back more equitably in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

As part of its work to ensure an equitable distribution of resources in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ONE campaign turned to TrustLaw for advice on how the International Monetary Fund and its member states could support low-income countries’ recovery and growth.

Tackling online sexual exploitation and abuse of women through a call for international standards

This impact story is part of a new series to celebrate the extraordinary pro bono projects undertaken by legal teams to support NGOs and social enterprises with the support of TrustLaw. All projects mentioned in this series are nominated for this year’s TrustLaw Awards.

Supporting the non-profit sector amidst Lebanon’s financial crisis

Supporting non-profits during times of crises, Samir Kassir Foundation was connected to Latham & Watkins through TrustLaw for legal advice in setting up a non-profit sister organisation in France during COVID 19 and Lebanon's worst financial crisis.

Powering affordable clean air in new markets through pro bono legal support

While solving air pollution is challenging, there are opportunities to ensure we breathe cleaner air. TrustLaw member Smart Air has committed to helping people breathe better through their low-cost air purifier. Starting with a small market in China in 2013, today they have scaled their operations and are supplying air purifiers in more than 10 countries.

Promoting credible and sustainable standards for social enterprises

Through TrustLaw, Social Enterprise Mark CIC was connected with law firms Maples and Calder LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, Morrison & Foerster LLP and Ropes & Gray to expand their accreditation assessment services for social enterprises internationally.

Offering legal support to Venezuelan migrants in the Americas

With more than six million migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees from Venezuela, the Americas is facing its greatest migration crisis in recent years. Most of these migrants and asylum-seekers start their journeys without any information, documents or the required permits to legally stay in host countries. To address this knowledge gap, Un Mundo sin Mordaza worked on an awareness campaign to tackle the lack of information and make the challenges of migration more visible. TrustLaw connected Un Mundo sin Mordaza with seven law firms to develop a research on the legal requirements and procedures migrants and asylum-seekers should follow to legally stay in the seven American countries hosting the largest number of Venezuelans or regularise their situation in these seven countries.

Protecting the labour rights of Mexican domestic workers during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the longstanding challenges faced by domestic workers around the world, threatening both their earnings and well-being. To help Jalisco’s domestic workers deal with these challenges, Parvada Estrategias Comunitarias, a women-led non-profit in Mexico, decided to create a step-by-step legal manual to train them about their labour rights. TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s pro bono service, connected the Mexican non-profit with Hogan Lovells Mexico to develop a manual that explains domestic workers the situations in which they could file a claim, what evidence they might need, and the different steps of an employment dispute they should consider.

International Women’s Day: 8 ways the Thomson Reuters Foundation supports women and girls around the world

Today the world pauses to celebrate women’s achievements and contributions to society, but, with stark concern that gender inequalities have been exacerbated by the pandemic, it is also a rallying point for the unprecedented global movement advocating for women’s rights and opportunities to be equal to those of men. Gaining or losing ground at this critical juncture, where calls are being made for a Global Reset, is expected to define the global gender order for generations to come, with irrevocable effects on humanity, society and the planet.

Contribuyendo al acceso a la salud pública en Chile

Desde hace seis años, HoraSalud ha venido confiado en TrustLaw, el programa de asesoría pro bono de la Fundación Thomson Reuters, para lograr sus objetivos y desarrollar una aplicación aplicación que facilita la gestión de turnos en tiempo real, y así facilitar el acceso a la salud pública a comunidades vulnerables en zonas remotas a obtener la asistencia médica requerida.

Supporting access to public health care in Chile

For six years, HoraSalud has been trusting in TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s pro bono legal program, to fulfil their mission and develop an app to manage appointments in real-time, facilitating access to public health care to vulnerable communities in rural areas to get the medical attention needed.

Supporting Survivors to Escape Domestic Abuse in the UK

Charities such as Women's Aid provide support to those experiencing abuse by facilitating refuge spaces across the country. Launched by rail companies and Women’s Aid in 2020, the 'Rail to Refuge' programme provides free train travel for all survivors of domestic abuse to a place at a recognised refuge, breaking the financial dependency to escape. Through TrustLaw, Women’s Aid were connected with Milbank LLP who worked tirelessly to support Women’s Aid to formalise the “Rail to Refuge” scheme. The arrangements enable Women's Aid and rail companies to expand and develop the scheme going forward.

You Don’t Need a Home to Vote – ‘Know Your Voting Rights’ guide published for people experiencing homelessness in the US

Through TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation's global pro bono legal network, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty were connected with law firm Goodwin Procter to produce a ‘Know Your Voting Rights’ for people experiencing homelessness in the US.

'Know Your Rights' guide published for journalists covering protests in the United States

The Thomson Reuters Foundation's global pro bono network, TrustLaw, facilitated pro bono legal assistance for journalists and partnered with the Committee to Protect Journalists to release a ‘Know Your Rights’ guide, summarising journalists’ rights when confronted by law enforcement officers while covering a protest or other political event in the US.

In a Dark Hour, a Bright Moment for US Pro Bono

Expanding Uganda’s Pro Bono Initiatives to Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs)

Rise in Pro Bono Uptake Brings its Own Challenges in Nigeria

Pro Bono Work in Colombia: The Long and Winding Road Towards Institutionalisation

Could Pro Bono ‘Tipping Point’ Challenge Inequality in Brazil?

A Rock and a Hard Place: Challenges of Free Legal Aid in the Philippines

Pro Bono Helps Bridge Access-to-Justice Gap in Nepal

The Growth of Systemic Pro Bono in South Korea

Portugal Demonstrates Power of Pro Bono amid Pandemic

COVID-19 Convulses Pro Bono Landscape in England and Wales

Opaque Regulations Hamper Turkish Lawyers Embracing Pro Bono

In Ireland’s Challenging Landscape, Pro Bono Steps Up

Italian Appetite for Pro Bono Despite Regulatory Vacuum

A view from Brazil | Encroachments on media freedom

A view from Malawi | Combating fake news and the ‘infodemic’

A view from Egypt | Reporting from the frontline: the structural impact on newsrooms

A view from Moldova | Journalism’s financial free fall

A view from Kenya | Encroachments on media freedom

A view from Mexico | Combating fake news and the ‘infodemic’

A view from Zambia | Journalism’s financial free fall

A view from India | Reporting from the frontline: the structural impact on newsrooms

Working Together for Freedom of Information in Ecuador

Fundamedios contacted TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono service, for legal support in compiling a review of ‘access to public information’ best practices across the region.

Protecting Kelp Forests in Japan

Fighting Blood Shortages in Kenya

Through TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal service, Sisu Global Health were connected with two leading law firms - CFL Advocates based in Kenya and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton in the United States - for free legal support to fight blood shortages in Kenya.

WHO and leading NGOs launch inquiries into sexual exploitation allegations in DR Congo after investigation by Thomson Reuters Foundation and The New Humanitarian

Global humanitarian organisations have launched investigations into claims of sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers in DR Congo during the 2018-2020 Ebola crisis.

Protecting Slum Dwellers’ Rights in Kenya

Through TrustLaw, Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT) was connected to law firms Pandya & Poonawala and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to develop legal research and propose solutions to addressing the complex and contentious land rights issues faced by residents in Mukuru – using comparative models from the US, UK and India.

Ending Economic Abuse in the UK

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of and transforming responses to economic abuse. In 2018, SEA wanted to better understand the impact of the UK’s current insurance law and insurers’ practices on victims of abuse. They contacted TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s pro bono service, for legal research into the matter and were connected to the law firm Cooley LLP.

Fighting Corruption in Argentina

In order to improve asset recovery in corruption cases in Argentina, NGO Fundación Poder Ciudadano contacted TrustLaw, to conduct legal research on the legislation surrounding asset recovery in corruption cases and to better understand the legal framework in different jurisdictions. TrustLaw connected Fundación Poder Ciudadano with three law firms to produce the legal reports on the legislation in their respective jurisdictions – Steptoe and Johnson (United States), Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados (Brazil) and Legance Studio Legale Associato (Italy).

Enforcing Disability Housing Rights in Argentina

Through TrustLaw, Senderos del Sembrador, an Argentinean NGO that works to promote the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, was connected with Bullo Tassi a domestic Argentinian law firm to create a shared housing experience for individuals with disabilities.

Fighting Acid Attacks in the UK

TrustLaw connected Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) with Linklaters to produce a legal research report which is being used as a powerful tool to influence policy change in the UK.

TrustLaw Hits 5,000 Members

In eight years, TrustLaw - our network of top law firms, in-house legal teams from some of the best-known brands on the planet, high-impact NGOs and innovative social enterprises has grown to over 5,000 members.

Bangladeshi journalists welcome first TRF migration reporting course amid Rohingya crisis

15 journalists from across the country converged on a hotel in the diplomatic area of the city for a five-day course run by the Foundation’s Editor-in-Chief Belinda Goldsmith and Bangladesh correspondent Naimul Karim and sponsored by the C&A Foundation.

Journalism Fellow Awarded Prestigious Prize for Investigative Work

A journalism fellow from a programme run in collaboration with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the Stanley Foundation and Gerda Henkel Stiftung has been awarded second place at a prestigious journalism awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria for his investigative article on farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria and its impact on food security.

Using the Law to End FGM

TrustLaw connected 28 Too Many with seven law firms, led by Latham & Watkins, to lead a critical examination of the best and worst practices, and recommendations, for the formation of sound legal frameworks that will contribute to the global elimination of FGM/C.

Advocating for Supply Chain Transparency in Canada

World Vision Canada leads a growing coalition of partners promoting supply chain transparency in Canada. Through TrustLaw, global law firm Dentons was connected with World Vision Canada to conduct research on Canadian legislation on supply chains.

The Right To a Fair Trial in Latin America

TrustLaw connected Fair Trials, to seven law firms led by Hogan Lovells across ten countries in Latin America. The research conducted by the law firms provided practical legal advice for those going through a trial, as well as valuable findings on the rights and laws existing in Latin America on this issue.

Refugee Rights Through A Lens

Through TrustLaw, Refugee Council, a charity that works with refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, received legal advice from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP on use of body cameras by Welfare Officers in refugee accommodation.

Refugee Family Reunification

Family reunification for unaccompanied refugee children is an important issue for Save the Children UK, which is why they approached TrustLaw for legal research on UK and EU law to support their programmes and advocacy campaigns. TrustLaw connected Save the Children UK with Latham & Watkins, who conducted this research and identified best practices.

Protecting Children In Uganda

In 2017, TrustLaw connected the Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF) with Onyango & Company Advocates for legal assistance in drafting a children’s protection and safeguarding policy for their staff and volunteers. The legal assistance not only led to decreased instances of abuse, but created a ripple effect throughout their community.

Conservation in Colombia

Cotton-top tamarins, known locally as “titís”—are widely recognised for their shock of white tufted hair and cheeky demeanour; but perhaps lesser known is that they are also among the most endangered primates in the world. Through TrustLaw, Proyecto Tití received legal advice to register a reserve in Colombia’s protected areas.

Thomson Reuters Foundation launches resource to help financial institutions tackle human trafficking

The Thomson Reuters Foundation launched powerful new Toolkit designed to help financial institutions fight human trafficking using data.

Four down, 46 more to go - Ending Child Marriage in the US

In May 2020, after years of lobbying US legislators and raising awareness on the issue, Unchained saw Pennsylvania and Minnesota become the third and fourth U.S. states, after Delaware and New Jersey, to end child marriage.

“Know your rights” Training Migrants and Refugees in Thailand

Through TrustLaw, the IRC received legal assistance from the international law firm DLA Piper to research the rights of refugees and migrant workers in Thailand and prepare resources and training materials. In a pioneer project, DLA Piper lawyers then led workshops for refugees, migrant workers and IRC staff—empowering them with information on their legal rights and status.

Feature highlighting inequality in Nairobi slum makes local splash

The Thomson Reuters Foundation's feature story "Forget Davos; Dandora holds the key to inequality - activists" published on January 24, 2018 was republished extensively by Kenyan media outlets and shared widely by local activists.

From Sex Traffickers To Kung Fu Nuns: The Thomson Reuters Foundation’s news team notched up a record year

From exposing the lives of sex traffickers in Mexico to interviewing Kung Fu nuns teaching women how to fend of sex attackers in India, the editorial team at the Thomson Reuters Foundation has had an interesting, varied and highly lauded year in 2017.

Celebrating innovation in pro bono in National Pro Bono week

At a time when we face global political, environmental, economic and humanitarian crises, we look to the power of pro bono to help build sustainable solutions.

Using technology to bring war criminals to justice

Pro bono legal assistance was crucial to put legal weight behind an innovative app that empowers human rights activists, journalists and prosecutors to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable.

India to offer jobs to manual sand miners after deaths exposé

Authorities in western India have begun the process of offering alternative work to men risking their lives illegally mining sand, after a Thomson Reuters Foundation investigation in July uncovered at least two deaths in the past year.

First safe house for LGBTI refugees

LGBTI activists and pro bono lawyers teamed up to open the first safe house for LGBTI refugees in the UK.

Reportage from Myanmar Now is selected for global publication by Reuters

Myanmar-based news outlet supported by the Foundation achieves global resonance on the Reuters Wire.

Defending the rights of immigrants and refugees in the US

Pro bono lawyers and refugee rights advocates rallied together in record time to address the unprecedented travel and refugee ban issued by the new US administration, providing immediate legal support to those affected.

Policing cyberspace to fight sex crimes and child porn in India

Pro bono lawyers from India, Canada and the US joined forces to support a leading anti-trafficking non-profit in its quest to stop the distribution of images and videos of sexual violence in India.

Combating `sextortion’ in the digital age

Utah, Arkansas and Alabama have enacted the first pieces of legislation in the US that criminalise `sextortion’, a form of extortion where the currency of the bribe is sex or sexual images.

Benetton acts on story of leather tanneries in Kenya

The story prompted the Italian fashion company Benetton to contact the United Nations to get involved in such a project.

Feature on gender violence in Kenya prompts funding opportunities from US, Canada

A powerful feature by Foundation journalist Zoe Tabary prompted two funding opportunities from readers in the United States and Canada.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation helped me uncover the loss of billions of dollars from the Egyptian economy. Then the law changed.

One Egyptian journalist uncovered a way in which companies could easily avoid tax in her country. Her investigation was then used to create a new law.

Ending child marriage in the US, one state at a time

TrustLaw partnered with advocacy group Unchained At Last to support its fight to pass legislation that would ban child marriage in the US.

Supporting vulnerable victims of crime through the justice system

TrustLaw partnered with Fundación Carmen Pardo-Valcarce, a disability rights organisation, and lawyers from White & Case and WilmerHale to improve access to justice for people with disabilities.

News with a hard-hitting impact

Our stories have massive international exposure, reaching up to one billion people a day through the Reuters wire. What we write has the power to prompt action.

Placing the hospitality industry at the helm of fighting hunger

One man’s vision to deliver edible excess food from restaurants to those in need has been transformed into a reality, thanks to assistance from TrustLaw.

Protecting ‘Good Samaritans’ at road accidents

A team of lawyers, led by Dechert, produced comparative research on Good Samaritan laws in Europe, the US and Asia, to support the SaveLIFE Foundation in its efforts to introduce the first law in India that protects first responders to road accidents.

Exposing corruption in South American football

Thomson Reuters Foundation journalism training participant Liber Nan Pií±era publishes explosive report on South American football.