The London offices of three international law firms have partnered with a UK charity in an effort to provide pro bono legal advice.

Milbank, Sullivan & Cromwell, and Winston & Strawn have joined the Advocates for International Development (A4ID) as its legal partners and will advise development organisations, governments, bar associations and social enterprises.

Yasmin Batliwala, A4ID’s chief executive, said it was delighted to partner with the firms which she said have shown a ‘commitment to using their lawyers’ skills for the benefit of the world’s poorest people’.

Russell Jacobs, a partner in Milbank’s London office, said: ‘Milbank, is an international law firm with a broad footprint and a strong record of commitment to pro bono and corporate social responsibility.’

Peter Crowther, managing partner of Winston & Strawn’s London office, said A4ID has ‘tremendous experience in leveraging law firm expertise to positively impact organisations around the world’.

‘Our London attorneys are delighted to collaborate as a legal partner of the organisation,’ he added.

This week sees the start of National Pro Bono Week in the UK.

The event, which aims to celebrate the breadth and impact of pro bono work undertaken by the legal profession, takes place every November and is sponsored by the Law Society, the Bar Council and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.