In partnership with local and global leaders, the Global Pro Bono Project works to strengthen pro bono culture, policy, and practice around the world. PBI identifies impediments and implements solutions, develops resources, and promotes global pro bono service through research, consultative services, training, and thought leadership.
The globalization of law practice, the growth of emerging democracies based on the rule of law, and the heightened international consensus regarding fundamental human rights have fueled efforts to explore and establish a pro bono legal tradition in many nations. Law firms and legal departments are increasingly eager to engage in global pro bono.
2026 Global Pro Bono Guide – In partnership with Latham & Watkins, and for the first time, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, PBI released the sixth edition of the Global Pro Bono Guide, formerly known as the Global Pro Bono Survey.
The newest version is the most comprehensive edition of the Guide to date, expanding coverage to more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide, up from 84 in the 2019 edition, and offering practical, jurisdiction-specific insight to support and strengthen pro bono practice globally.
In addition to expanded global coverage, the 2026 edition offers:
Global Due Diligence Manual – This hands-on guide that will help you locate, vet, and take on global pro bono opportunities. It covers clearinghouses, major NGO clients, research projects, broader engagements, managing pro bono conflicts, and how to create synergies across your organization.
The Global Pro Bono Guide, formerly known as the Global Pro Bono Survey, has been a trusted resource for legal professionals since 2005, when it was first published by Latham & Watkins and PBI. You can access the 2019 edition of the Global Pro Bono Survey. For access to earlier editions of the Global Pro Bono Survey, contact PBI staff.
The globalization of law practice, the growth of emerging democracies based on the rule of law, and the heightened international consensus regarding fundamental human rights have fueled efforts to explore and establish a pro bono legal tradition in many nations. Law firms and legal departments are increasingly eager to engage in global pro bono.
Consultative Services – The PBI Global Pro Bono project provides tailored, confidential assistance to law firms and legal departments on how to structure an effective global pro bono program, develop appropriate policies and practices, and identify suitable, compelling global pro bono opportunities.
Research and Development – The project conducts research and surveys to gather empirical evidence about the state of pro bono around the world, identifies existing obstacles to pro bono service – such as practice limitations, regulations, ethical prohibitions and cultural concerns, and develops best practices. The solutions that the project implements are firmly grounded in the target country’s history, culture, and existing legal aid system.
Educational Programming – Project experts participate in multinational conferences on pro bono and access to justice, conduct speaking engagements, and lead global pro bono workshops at the PBI Annual Conference.
Publications – The project periodically produces publications to update law firms and legal departments on the state of global pro bono, identify obstacles to global pro bono service, and share best practices. E-mail us to learn more about Global Pro Bono, share a success story, or obtain assistance.
To join efforts of law firms, organizations, and corporate legal departments to support, promote and stimulate the growth of pro bono representation globally and in international settings.
