What is Lawyers Without Borders?
An organization that is bringing lawyers together from around the world to give back through pro bono service--supporting rule of law, economic development, peacebuilding and sustainability in the legal sector throughout the world.

Do you represent individuals?

LWOB does not “represent” individuals. It is not a resource for individuals seeking personal pro bono representation.  

What can volunteers for LWOB do?
Volunteers assist via:

• Research: Legal issues, Indicator Impact Frameworks, Roadmaps, Constitutional and transitional legal issues, Human Rights, Information analysis and report writing, Country Research
• Write: Reports, Newsletters, Concept Papers, Lawyer Guides, Roadmaps 
• Represent LWOB at events and Conferences [Always self funding]: Human Rights Conferences, United Nations Conferences/Sessions, Educational Programs, Training Programs, pro bono conferences.  
• Assess, Observe, Evaluate: Be part of an Assessment or Evaluation Team, Participate in a trial observations, Effect a Rapid Response Intervention, Conduct a post-training evaluation, lead an LWOB In-Country Missions in region to assist with program development, launch, implementation and follow up
• Neutral Observations: Trials, Conflicts, Tribunal Proceedings
•  Train: Join LWOB Trial and Mediation Training Teams assisting lawyers and judges with in large scale NITA™ style ("Learning By Doing Method")  Training Programs.
• Operations: There are a variety of roles you can play in assisting with administration of LWOB: Managing programs, overseeing volunteers or student divisions, fundraising, development, grant writing etc. As a rule "volunteers" in-house at LWOB are expected to work at our headquarters at least 2-3 days per week.

Are you and Avocats sans Frontieres the same organization?

No. There is absolutely no connection between Avocats sans Frontieres (AsF) and Lawyers Without Borders, Inc. LWOB operates in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Palestinian Territories and throughout Africa under the name: Lawyers Without Borders (Abogados Sin Fronteras in Spanish speaking nations)  and is not affiliated with any AsF operations in those areas. There is a group operating as "Lawyers Without Borders Canada"--they are not affiliated with LWOB and do not own rights to use the name "Lawyers Without Borders"  in Canada. We appreciate your reporting to us any instances of the use of our  name in violation of our trademark.

 "Lawyers Without Borders" is a registered trade mark of this organization in the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Australia and the United States office of Patent and Trade Marks.  

LWOB conducts its activities from the central world headquarters in USA. Please report to LWOB any groups or individuals claiming to maintain offices affiliated with LWOB in other countries. LWOB has made the decision to keep operations centralized with all LWOB branches and operations taking direction from its USA headquarters. In this regard we have learned from experiences of larger older NGOs that are beginning to find decentralized operations in the global arena has diluted effeciency and increased costs and are returning to the  model of one unified headquarters for global operations.  

How old is LWOB?

LWOB was founded in January 2000.

Why haven't I heard more about LWOB in the media?

Two reasons:

1) In the formative years of LWOB, it was important not to take the time to develop best practices. Too many organizations came before LWOB leaving a less than favorable impressions behind in the international rule of law arena. We abide by a philosophy of slow and steady growth, trying to ensure maximum effect to, and achieve the best possible results in, our rule of law work. Our focus and strength has always been in programming rather than media and marketing. Many of the lawyers working with LWOB have been schooled in the more traditional approach to law, which shunned advertising and promoting ourselves our successes. That philosophy has permeated  our operational model.

2) A list of the countries where LWOB has engaged should be evidence enough that we must, while working hard to attract capable and committed volunteers, be mindful of security and safety issues for the volunteering lawyers. There are times when the less said about where the lawyers are and what they are doing is in the long term interest of their security and safety and in the best interests of ensuring that the project achieves its objectives. 

If I have contacts in a region or am aware of a group or program that I think LWOB can help how do I go about pursuing my idea with LWOB?

Often LWOB's projects originate through lawyers and individuals who have traveled or otherwise have become aware of a group, region, area or problem that they bring to our attention. While it is helpful if you can also bring a creative funding option to your project, failure of funding should not dissuade you from contacting us.  With each year LWOB becomes more adept at finding funding for worthwhile projects that further our goal to put lawyers to work, pro bono, to make a difference.  LWOB's Executive Director and Founder is very accessible and would be pleased to discuss your project ideas with you.

Are you connected with Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)? 

No. LWOB is not affiliated in any way with Medecins sans Frontieres, Doctors Without Borders, is a registered trademark of Bureau de Medecins sans Frontieres. They are doctors. We are lawyers, each hoping to help mankind using very different skill sets.

Is there an important question we haven't answered?

Please let us know.