Overview
Our 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 in 190 countries. We leverage the power of the law to protect, support and empower organisations at the frontlines of social or environmental change, and to strengthen and defend independent media. From practical reforestation projects to advocacy around media freedom, targeted pro bono assistance has a vital role to play in unlocking potential and accelerating impact.
How it works
TrustLaw is a completely free service open to law firms and corporate legal teams globally. Once a member, you can access available pro bono opportunities from vetted civil society organisations and social enterprises through our easy-to-use online platform and can volunteer to work on projects that align with your interests and skills. We connect you with the client once your offer is accepted, and our international team remains on hand to provide support for the duration of the project.
Our network
Advisors
The TrustLaw Pro Bono Council comprises outstanding leaders in the legal and non-profit sectors representing different geographies and backgrounds. Together they provide critical advice and guidance to help expand the practice of pro bono worldwide, strengthening civil society and driving positive change.
Members
TrustLaw’s network is made up of more than 7,400 members across civil society organisations, social enterprises, and lawyers based in 190 countries globally.
TrustLaw Awards 2024
From extraordinary pro bono projects to outstanding law firms, teams and individuals, the annual TrustLaw Awards celebrate the power of pro bono legal services to drive social impact, spotlighting meaningful impact from partnerships across the world.
How we help
Lawyers
We support legal teams to strengthen and expand their pro bono programmes, facilitating opportunities and partnerships, and providing a suite of resources, tools and training.
Civil society organisations & social enterprises
We empower civil society organisations and social enterprises to thrive globally. By connecting them with legal experts, we help them navigate challenges, protect rights, and amplify impact in an increasingly complex world, fostering positive social change.
Independent media
We provide a wide range of free legal services and resources to support independent media and journalists around the world, equipping them to strengthen their resilience and counter legal threats.
Our Impact
Pro bono support is a powerful driver of social impact, enabling civil society organisations, social enterprises and independent media to boost their reach and resilience.
Organisations supported
We count over 6,500 civil society organisations, social enterprises and independent media across 190 countries as part of our network. Each has access to free legal support from 1,200 law firms.
Pro bono hours
Through our services, leading legal teams have contributed the equivalent of more than $271 million in legal know-how and brainpower, supporting the needs of organisations on the frontlines of social change.
Connections
To date, we have facilitated over 10,000 pro bono connections around the world. Behind each of these connections are thousands of lawyers donating their time and expertise to civil society organisations, social enterprises and independent media.
Impact spotlight
View more storiesPro bono brokerages are indispensable to the provision of free legal service, so it’s important that they receive corporate support. TrustLaw is so much more than a brokerage – it is a whole ecosystem raising awareness of the world’s most critical issues while also providing ways to address them. We are truly proud to partner with TrustLaw.
Our partnership with TrustLaw spans more than a decade. In that time, they have invested in getting to know us as much as we’ve sought to collaborate with them, which has opened the door to hundreds of exciting, diverse and meaningful engagements around the world. Without a doubt, our partnership with TrustLaw has been fundamental in helping us create the foundation needed for growing and supporting our global pro bono program.
Working with TrustLaw allows us to have a greater impact on human rights needs in Latin America while reinforcing the legal community’s commitment to strengthening access to justice.
As an NGO we are always looking for creative way to do more with less. I feel privileged to have had access to the pro-bono legal services available through the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s TrustLaw service, the unparalleled support and expertise have allowed us to create a credible, informative and inspiring publication. This piece of work signifies Community Business’ mission to enhance LGBT+ workplace equality and, thanks to TrustLaw’s assistance, we hope that it will have a lasting and profound impact on our community.
Giving Programme
TrustLaw Giving Programme
Our exceptional partners from the Giving programme provide generous funding to support TrustLaw’s work to increase access to law and strengthen civil society to confront some of the greatest challenges of our time.
Resources
View all TrustLaw resourcesData Protection: A Guide for UK Charities and Non-governmental Organisations
As dealing with personal data has become increasingly central to how modern organisations operate, knowing how to properly protect that data is crucial to meeting the…
Read moreLegal Threats Against Lawyers Protecting Journalists: Preliminary Findings
As ‘lawfare’ against journalists escalates in intensity and complexity, lawyers play a critical role in safeguarding free and independent media. As a result, they are…
Read moreTrustLaw Index of Pro Bono 2022
The TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono is the only global survey measuring the amount of pro bono practised by law firms across the world. By highlighting features of successful pro bono programmes and providing benchmarks on pro bono participation and…
Read moreTrustLaw Legal Health Check for NGOs and Social Enterprises- Arabic Version
The TrustLaw Legal Health Check is a practical resource designed to help identify legal matters relevant to NGOs and social enterprises, and tailor our pro bono legal…
Read moreMeasuring Pro Bono Impact
In today’s world, measuring impact is essential, particularly in driving social change. However, measuring impact, especially in the context of pro bono services within the social economy, can be challenging and costly. This guide aims to bridge this gap….
Read moreComparative study on climate change laws in Latin America
This report covers and compares climate change laws in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru based on twelve factors, including adaptation and mitigation plans, financial…
Read moreGuilty till proven innocent? Safeguarding the rights of pre-trial detainees across the commonwealth
The excessive and arbitrary use of pre-trial detention is a global problem, affecting developed and developing countries…
Read moreGuía sencilla para migrantes y solicitantes de asilo venezolanos en Argentina
Esta guía explora las nuevas normativas sobre migración y refugio en Argentina con el fin de brindar orientación accesible a los venezolanos que planean reubicarse…
Read moreNavigating Intellectual Property Laws in the United States
This guide on intellectual property (IP) delves into the essential aspects of IP law, which safeguards the creations of human intellect.
Read moreNon-profit Structuring Guide for Kenya
This guide is designed to provide a clear and thorough understanding of the various legal structures available to non-profit entities in Kenya.
Read moreLegal Structuring Guides to set up a Media Organisation in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States
These guides outline different for-profit and non-profit structure options for media organisations in Costa Rica, Mexico and…
Read moreEqual Marriage and Civil Unions in Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Spain and Guatemala
This report examines the legal frameworks that exist to protect equal marriage and civil unions in Spain and across four countries in Latin America…
Read moreBalancing progress and human rights: Is Thailand ready for Artificial Intelligence that respects human rights?
This study examines Thailand’s AI and technology landscape through the lens of human rights.
Read moreRegulatory Mapping on Artificial Intelligence in Latin America
Latin America has seen several efforts to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Countries are increasingly enacting bills, policies and strategies, mainly motivated by European…
Read moreTowards a sustainable future: Cases of study of regulatory frameworks enabling impact economy
This report highlights the legal mechanisms currently in existence from different countries in LatAm that have catalysed a positive…
Read moreCanadian Social Enterprise: Which Legal Structure Should I Use? A Legal Structures Guide for Social Entrepreneurs in Canada
One third of our TrustLaw membership consists of social enterprises. In addition to…
Read moreGet in touch
Together we can leverage the power of pro bono to drive social change
Get in touch to find out more and gain access to TrustLaw’s services.
