The events from 10-14 June will coincide with the broader European Pro Bono Week, which celebrates the critical role that lawyers play in supporting civil society and human rights organisations through pro bono work.

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

Activities will commence on Monday 10 June with a European-wide virtual event which will focus on this year’s theme of harmonisation of pro bono work across Europe. A second online event will share knowledge and good practices on Gender, Justice and the Law: Legal and Practical Challenges for Refugees.

In Ireland, an in-person discussion event will be held at Arthur Cox’s office in Dublin on Wednesday 12 June to promote awareness of the work of Kids in Need of Defence (KIND), a global initiative that provides legal representation for unaccompanied children.

Panellists at that event will include representatives of the Irish Refugee Council and the Immigrant Council of Ireland, to discuss the growing need for legal support for unaccompanied minors arriving in Ireland, including support in family reunification applications.

A second in-person discussion event will be held on Thursday 13 June in the Law Society of Ireland in Dublin. The event will explore the Irish pro bono ecosystem, recognise the impact of successful initiatives to date and encourage discussion and horizon scanning for emerging needs for pro bono legal support in Ireland.

This event will also provide a platform for three NGOs to pitch their causes to the legal professionals gathered for support in legal advice services.

Eilis Barry, chief executive of FLAC, said: “Pro bono is a vital component of the access to justice architecture and an important tool in redressing the imbalance of a justice system weighed against those who face multiple barriers to access to justice.

“I want to pay tribute to the pioneering lawyers who have transformed the Pro bono landscape in Ireland in recent years and for their inspiration and commitment.”

All events are open to legal professionals, law students, non-profits and other interested parties to attend. More information can be found on the PILA website.