A successful pro bono practice needs a supportive environment. Supporters of pro bono include both legal and non-legal entities, and a successful pro bono practice depends, in large part, on the trust, support and loyalty of these entities.

The following chapter details who to contact in the pro bono community, and tips on how to do it.

Support from law firms—from large global firms to mid-sized firms and individual practition- ers—is vital to establishing and maintaining a strong pro bono community. Once a good work- ing relationship has been established, law firms can become key resources. They often gener- ously offer their financial support to clearinghouses and sponsorship of their events. They may also help develop educational and training seminars directed at NGOs or individuals helped by your clearinghouse. These public presentations give the clearinghouse greater exposure to those who need to know about it and promote the image of the clearinghouse in the pro bono community. Some of the reasons law firms get involved in pro bono work are set out below.

Establishing long-term relationships with Bars and Law Societies can also be very valuable. Many clearinghouses have noted that cooperation and support from bar associations have facilitated their early and ongoing success. It is important to research what rules and laws apply to pro bono work in your area. Bar associations often have their own rules or codes about pro bono work, so understanding them is an important first step. You need to make sure you can legally provide pro bono work in a particular region.

In seeking connections to Bars, try to identify all possible associations and societies including those at national, regional, district, and local levels. Next, determine whether each of these has an individual designated to deal with pro bono, legal aid and/or other public interest issues and try to make contact with that person. In some cases, the president may be the most appropriate person to contact initially. Bar associations are generally well established and have numerous contacts, so starting by partnering with them can help spread the word quickly.

Bars play a variety of roles in the administration of pro bono work. Where they are supportive, it can be of great benefit to a clearinghouse, so it is worth seeking their involvement. Some Bars have started clearinghouses. In France, the Paris Bar founded the Alliance des Avocats pour les Droits de l’Homme, which provides a clearinghouse there. Others help facilitate the public administration of pro bono work. For example, in Poland, the Bar hosts an annual “free of charge” day when it organizes lawyers to provide free legal advice. In the Czech Republic, the Bar recruits lawyers to participate in pro bono projects. In Rwanda, the Bar organizes an annual pro bono week in partnership with the courts and government.

Bars may also offer opportunities for publicity about your clearinghouse or help to organize educational opportunities. For example, the Polish Bar provides training to young lawyers through civil, criminal and family law clinics. The Czech Bar has promoted the activities of the clearinghouse, posted information on its website, helped create a pro bono award and organized workshops with the clearinghouse there. Bars are key resources and partners, even if they provide support in name alone, and offer a great way for clearinghouses to gain early legitimacy.