In 2008, LWOB redefined the scope of the LWOB - PBLL (Pro Bono Law Link) program model to  represent its commitment to provide an array of pro bono projects for law firms in a financial supporting relationship with LWOB.

Those projects  range from trial observation, training opportunities, participation at UN events workshops and panels, conference participation and  drafting, technical assistance and research opportunities. The "supporting relationship" calls for meaningful financial support of LWOB from the collaborative partner ($25,000 in 2009). This support basically helps underwrite operational costs at LWOB not covered by foundations or grants--which are typically program specific.

LWOB works to understand each law firm's pro bono interests, needs and wants and creates and manages tasks (with varying degress of oversight, depending upon the firm) that integrate the law firm's lawyers into all or a portion of a given project. Unlike many other NGOs doing similar work, the LWOB model offers a higher level of project oversight and typically does not involve a simple hand-over of a project to a law firm.

LWOB will fashion detailed well defined tasks, prepare and deliver detailed task memos and when necessary (and available), provide examples or templates of the type of work sought. It will identify for the firm the level of expertise required (Trainee, Associate, Senior Associate etc) and will schedule and attend meetings to oversee the project progress.  

Additional required tasks for production of publications etc., such as editing, review and layout of technical documents is usually contracted out to third parties and overseen by LWOB. LWOB can deliver projects to firms that wish to "own" the entire project, or assemble collaboratives from among its law firm partners that distribute different aspects of a project to different firms. LWOB has well established relationships with a team of contributors who assist with project roll out from legal publication editors, publishers, illustrators and lay out specialists.  

REFERRAL OF NGOs SEEKING COUNSEL:
While initially the LWOB  PBLL model involved  linking law firms to non-profits seeking pro bono counsel, LWOB found that often, despite intense efforts to vet the NGOs, many lack the consistency of  commitment  to the lawyer/client relationship required to make it effective and productive for both lawyer and client. LWOB therefore continues to provide, but no longer actively promotes, the NGO linkage to Law Firm services.  With that said, law firms interested in working with an NGO who require the NGO to acquire a referral into the firm from an organization such as LWOB, are invited to contact LWOB to conduct vetting and provide the referral if warranted.

If you are a law firm, corporation or legal network interested in generously supporting LWOB and its mission as well as in broadening the pro bono oriented activities for your lawyers,  please contact LWOB's director, Christina Storm,  directly. In these financially challenging times, the need for pro bono has grown while resources available to support it are measurably harder to obtain and privately sourced support is becoming more essential each day.