EASTER 2019
Articles
Global Citizenship with White & Case
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP WITH WHITE & CASE
White & Case is an international law firm with 44 offices in 30 countries. It is one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services in the world, and devoted 120,000 hours to pro bono in 2018. In 2010, White & Case established its Global Pro Bono Practice, which is led by Brussels-based EU law litigator Jacquelyn MacLennan and emphasises three areas of focus: 1.
Providing access to justice and the protection of human rights
2.
Promoting good sovereign governance and the rule of law, and Supporting organisations with a social or environmental mission
3.
Dan Pront, 4th Seat Trainee Solicitor, tells us more about the pro bono work he has been involved in.
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WHAT PRO BONO MATTERS HAVE YOU RECENTLY WORKED ON AT WHITE & CASE? There are many pro bono matters on offer here. For example, White & Case supports a Disability Benefits Appeals pro bono advocacy scheme with University House, one of the oldest legal advice agencies in London. I have represented a number of clients at the First Tier Tribunal who are appealing the stoppage of key disability benefits, the recipients of which are unable to work as a result of mental and physical disabilities, long term illness or mental health issues. Some of my clients had turned to food banks to support themselves before their benefits were reinstated, so I feel that my pro bono work here has a direct impact on those in need. In addition, I have drafted an exhibition rental agreement on behalf of an artist for
an environmental charity, so it has been a real mix!
AT WHITE & CASE, ARE YOU ENCOURAGED TO GET INVOLVED IN PRO BONO WORK? Very much so. Each White & Case fee earner has an annual target of 20 hours of pro bono, although people often exceed this. We have more than 130 partners across our global network who serve as informal “Pro Bono Leaders� and encourage participation within their practices and offices. Pro bono participation is taken into account in relation to career progression within the firm. We have a dedicated Global Citizenship team who manage our pro bono programme and contributions are recognised at our annual pro bono awards.