By Christiana Teodoro, PBI Intern
Pro bono is now considered a crucial part of modern legal practice in many countries. Currently, Pro Bono Institute and Latham & Watkins are tracking global pro bono efforts in more than 85 jurisdictions, showing the growing scope of free legal aid.
In Italy, the lack of a legal mandate or formal framework for pro bono work has contributed to limited development within the legal community. However, in recent years, organizations, including the association Pro Bono Italia and PILnet, a non-governmental organization aimed at facilitating pro bono services by connecting civil society organizations, have helped drive the advancement of pro bono in Italy.
History of Pro Bono in Italy
In April 2014, various legal actors and organizations came together in the first informal Italian Pro Bono Roundtable with the intent of debating and discussing pro bono culture. Since then, Italy has held at least 48 Roundtables on pro bono, inviting law firm lawyers, in-house counsel, and nonprofit and legal clinic representatives to the conversation. Discussions like these have highlighted underserved communities’ lack of access to the justice system due to the high costs of legal services.
Following the success of the initial Roundtables, the association Pro Bono Italia was established in May 2017. Influenced by law firms Legance, Studio Legale De Berti Jacchia Franchini Forlani, and the organization Carotenuto Studio Legale, Pro Bono Italia has been promoting a “pro bono culture” across the country, and brings together lawyers, law firms, and forensic associations in Italy. Pro Bono Italia is part of the European Pro Bono Alliance.
Pro bono has been making positive strides throughout the country, and efforts have remained consistent. In November 2018, Pro Bono Italia, PILnet, and others co-hosted the first Pro Bono Day in Rome at their 27th Italian Pro Bono Roundtable meeting.
Challenges in Pro Bono Development
Historically, pro bono work in Italy has been underdeveloped due to a lack of a clear legal definition and an existing regulatory framework. Unlike in surrounding countries, there are no specific laws governing pro bono work in Italy. Italian lawyers don’t need to complete pro bono. Furthermore, aspiring lawyers are not required to complete any pro bono work. Without any formal mandates, pro bono work can remain overlooked.
Additionally, the Italian judicial system is regarded as inefficient. Delays in court proceedings and unnecessary bureaucracy negatively impact access to justice. These challenges are compounded for low-income individuals who cannot afford to hire counsel.
Steps Toward Growth
In recent years, Pro Bono Italia has been crucial in connecting lawyers, law firms, and bar associations (such as those in Rome and Milan) with a shared goal of promoting and expanding pro bono efforts in Italy. Nonprofits and disadvantaged individuals are encouraged to submit requests for pro bono assistance and are then matched with pro bono lawyers who are associates or members of Pro Bono Italia. Pro Bono Italia offers training, webinars, and seminars to build awareness and prepare professionals to serve, in areas such as immigration, labor law, family law, and data protection.
Pro bono work has also shifted from legal aid directed at nonprofit organizations to more complex projects in recent years. Examples include the Rule 39 Pro Bono Initiative, which is driven by the Italian Coalition for Civil Liberties and Rights (CILD), with the assistance of 8 international law firms, and provides legal aid in support of climate justice, refugee rights, and access to human rights. Since 2021, this Initiative has provided more than 4,000 hours of pro bono legal services to more than 500 people. Initiatives like the Rule 39 Project demonstrate Italy’s engagement in strategic, impact-driven pro bono work.
The main providers of pro bono legal services in Italy have included volunteers with networks, such as Pro Bono Italia, PILnet, and the European Pro Bono Alliance. These volunteers often work at global law firms and large local firms, such as Latham & Watkins*†, Linklaters*†, Clifford Chance, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton*, Bonelli Erede, and Gianni Origoni Grippo Capelli, as well as individual attorneys fully licensed to practice law in Italy. As discussed, increased engagement can also be seen among nonprofit associations, charitable organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
With a growing network of committed lawyers and expanding collaboration with national and international partners, Italy is well-positioned to further develop its pro bono culture in the coming years. Importantly, continued structural support and recognition will be essential to fully unlock its potential in advancing access to justice.
* denotes a Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge® signatory
** denotes a Corporate Pro Bono Challenge® signatory
† denotes a Law Firm Pro Bono Project® member