The Public Interest Law Institute (PILI) invites lawyers from law firms, solo practitioners, corporate counsel, representatives of non-profit and nongovernmental organizations, academics, students, and anyone interested in promoting volunteer legal practice to join us in Budapest for the 2009 European Pro Bono Forum on 5-6 November 2009. Now in its third year, the Forum provides a dynamic multi-national platform for networking and outreach, information exchange, and skills transfer, all dedicated to the expansion of pro bono activity in Europe.

The 2009 European Pro Bono Forum will focus on the global economic crisis and its effects on pro bono practice and the third sector. Organizations dedicated to serving the needs of poor and marginalized populations face great challenges, yet the Forum will explore opportunities presented by the crisis to foster greater commitment to pro bono by law firms and private practitioners. PILI aims to devise innovative solutions to help lawyers connect with NGOs and nonprofit organizations, allowing these stewards of the public interest to weather the economic storm.

The 2009 Forum will feature speakers widely recognized for their pro bono work and commitment to the civic sector in Europe, including:

• Lord Phillips of Sudbury (United Kingdom);
• François Zimeray, Ambassador for Human Rights (France);
• Anne Birgitte Gammeljord, 2009 CCBE President and Partner, Gorrissen, Federspiel & Kierkegaard (Denmark);
• Hendrik Bourgeois, European General Counsel, General Electric (Belgium);
• Michael Smyth, Partner, Clifford Chance (United Kingdom);
• Diego Ramos, Partner, DLA Piper (Spain);
• Wolfgang Kaleck, European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) (Germany);
• Denis Chemla, President, Droits d'Urgence (France); Country Chair, International Bar Association; and Partner, Herbert Smith (France);
• Adam Bodnar, Board Member, Polish Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (Poland)
  

Forum sessions will explore timely themes such as:
Models for institutionalizing and promoting pro bono practice worldwide, including clearinghouses, and exploration of how these methods can be tailored to fit particular countries or regions;
Engaging donors and maximizing partnerships to help NGOs thrive in these tough financial times;
Using pro bono practice to advance human rights and environmental protection; and
Strategies for moving volunteer legal help beyond city centers to outlying areas, attracting more local firms and solo practitioners to pro bono practice.

For the Forum's schedule, click here.

Once again, the NGO Marketplace will provide NGO representatives and lawyers the chance to meet face to face and address the legal needs of NGOs and the communities they serve.

Early registration ends 25 September 2009. Discounted rates are available for NGO representatives, academics, students, and members of the Czech, Hungarian, Polish, and Slovak Bars and Law Societies. For more details, visit www.probonolawyer.eu.

The need for innovation in leveraging private sector resources for the public good has never been greater. Commit now to expanding pro bono practice in Europe and beyond.

We look forward to welcoming you in Budapest!