Paul Gallagher SC

Pro Bono Week Ireland, beginning today and running until Friday, is part of the EU-wide European Pro Bono Week. A number events will seek to highlight the culture, the work and most importantly the necessity of pro bono practice.

The events have been coordinated by a committee comprising PILA (The Public Interest Law Alliance), a project of FLAC, A&L Goodbody LLP, Arthur Cox LLP, Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, Matheson LLP, McCann Fitzgerald LLP and Deloitte Ireland LLP.

The online EU-wide launch of Pro Bono Week will take place today at 1pm, followed by the official launch of Pro Bono Week Ireland at an in-person event this evening, where attendees can look forward to joining industry leaders for a panel discussion around pro bono.

Mr Gallagher said: “Engaging in pro bono work is an opportunity for a lawyer to exhibit commitment to justice and the public interest, benefiting those in society who need it most.

“But it also enables lawyers an opportunity to develop their legal knowledge and skills and other essential expertise in delivering legal advice such as accessible communication and dedication.”

Shamika Dwarika, PILA’s pro bono development manager, said: “At the core of pro bono work is the understanding that there are those vulnerable and marginalised members of our communities that lack the resources to access legal assistance when they need it. The law profession therefore has a unique role to play in supporting their communities.

“Monday’s event, ‘Shaping the Pro Bono Landscape in Ireland’ seeks to bring together industry leaders to look at both, the successes, as well as the challenges facing the various role players in the pro bono arena and how we go forward and ensure that pro bono continues to develop and thrive.”

Eilis Barry, chief executive of FLAC, added: “Pro bono work is an important tool in identifying the extent of unmet legal need among disadvantaged groups and individuals and seeking to ensure that these needs are met.

“While pro bono work can never be a substitute for a comprehensive legal aid system — which is currently under review — pro bono work demonstrates the unique and vital role that the legal profession can play in trying to redress the significant imbalance in our legal system.”