Framework for Collaborative Pro Bono: Expanding Access to Justice in New Zealand

Coordinated by Te Ara Ture, the Framework draws inspiration from successful international models, aiming to expand access to justice for those most in need. Participating law firms unite to advance a stronger pro bono culture across the motu, directing their efforts towards areas with the greatest unmet legal needs. This collective approach ensures that pro bono services are more effectively tailored to serve our communities.

What are the benefits of signing up?

• Demonstrate commitment to pro bono and access to justice and collaborate for greater impact to better address unmet legal need across Aotearoa.
• Join a collegiate network and attend regular meetings where firms share best practice and discuss and solve common challenges.
• Access to new pro bono opportunities which are shared or developed collaboratively amongst participating firms.
• Access to benchmark data (shared confidentially, in anonymised format).
• Access to professional development and learning opportunities and useful resources.
• Support to grow and develop your pro bono practice.

What does it cost?

• Participation is free.

What would my firm need to commit to?

• Adopt the “aspirational target” of 25 pro bono hours (average per lawyer, per year).
• Attend Framework meetings, either in person or remotely.
• Submit anonymous, high-level data each year on your pro bono practice.
• Adopt the national definition of pro bono work for the purposes of reporting.

Who can sign up?

• Anyone! Participation is voluntary and non-exclusive. Firms of any size and from any location are welcome and encouraged to join.

Does my firm need a full-time pro bono lawyer to join?

• One of the aims of the Framework is to help firms which don’t yet have a dedicated pro bono professional navigate this area. Several firms send a partner or associate from their pro bono committee or group to Framework meetings.
• Registering with Te Ara Ture offers a structured way to access and review regular pro bono opportunities in your area(s) of practice.

Does it matter if my firm is not hitting the target?

• This is not a problem and not a requirement for participation. Participating firms cover a wide range of average hours. Your hours will not be published or made public and will only be shared amongst participating firms in a de-identified format. It may take many years before you reach the target; what you are agreeing to is that you share the vision that lawyers should on average contribute at least 25 pro bono hours per year.

The Framework welcomes participation from all law firms in New Zealand, regardless of size. Participation is voluntary and non-exclusive. Interested firms are encouraged to join this movement to help create a fairer justice system for all.

For more information about the Framework or to discuss involvement, please click here.