New international hub to promote pro bono work

A new online service to promote pro bono legal work around the world and provide an international hub for information on anti-corruption and good governance was launched today by the Thomson Reuters Foundation

TrustLaw provides: an online database of national legislation; international conventions; news; country profiles; law reviews; and advice on anti-corruption and good governance.

The site also offers TrustLaw Connect, an online marketplace or ‘dating service’, to connect pro bono lawyers with NGOs, government agencies and others in need of legal assistance

It will act as a ‘trusted intermediary’, vetting participants on all sides to ensure confidence in the requests and assistance provided.

Over 190 organisations working in more than 140 countries have already joined. They number over 60 leading law firms including Clifford Chance, Slaughter and May, Eversheds and Herbert Smith.

Thomson Reuters Foundation chief executive Monique Villa said: ‘At a time of great economic uncertainty legal support is more important than ever for organisations addressing the critical social and environmental issues of our age. The dramatic response we have already seen from the non-profit and legal communities highlights the appetite and need for such a service.’

Clifford Chance worldwide senior partner Stuart Popham, said: ‘Trustlaw is such a great concept that will really help lawyers fulfil their social responsibilities. It is independent, cutting edge and has already got the support of large parts of the international legal community.’

For more details go to www.trust.org.