The High Court judge moderated a panel of speakers including FLAC chief executive Eilis Barry, Michelle Drury from Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI), Gemma McLoughlin Burke from the Bar’s Voluntary Assistance Programme and John Lunney from the Law Society.

The discussions focused on the impact and benefit of lawyers volunteering their time and skill, highlighting examples of pro bono work opportunities in Ireland.

In 2023, the legal community in Ireland reported more than 40,000 hours of pro bono work, according to Pro Bono Pledge Ireland’s 2023 impact report.

Pro bono work was undertaken on a variety of initiatives such as supporting adults with Down syndrome in securing employment, advocating for victims of sexual violence, the operation of free legal advice centres and supporting unaccompanied refugee children with family reunification.

At Thursday’s event, PILA facilitated a platform for NGOs to pitch to receive pro bono legal services from the attending legal practitioners in support of their causes, offering an opportunity for organisations working on the ground to highlight where they see growing needs for pro bono legal support.

Law Society president Barry MacCarthy said: “Pro bono work is an inherent part of the legal ecosystem. For decades, pro bono work has played an important role in ensuring access to justice in Ireland and abroad.

“It is important to recognise the value of this work and celebrate legal professionals who have the means and capacity to volunteer their skills and knowledge. Initiatives like Pro Bono Week help recognise and underpin the importance of this work, facilitate future pro bono partnerships, and help advance access to justice.”

In Ireland, Pro Bono Week is led by the Public Interest Law Alliance (PILA), a project of FLAC, and a committee made up of representatives from A&L Goodbody LLP, Arthur Cox LLP, DLA Piper Ireland LLP, Matheson LLP, McCann FitzGerald LLP, Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, Philip Lee LLP.