Our firm has a long-standing and proud tradition of providing pro bono legal services. We are committed to using our legal skills and expertise to improve access to justice.
Our impact-driven pro bono practice assists people who have experienced disadvantage and inequity, and the organisations that support these communities.
We work with our pro bono clients in the following ways:
- Casework and free legal clinics to promote access to justice.
- Advising NGOs, charities, social enterprises, social impact funds across all areas of our firm’s expertise.
- Secondments to charities and community legal centres to amplify their impact.
- Legal education and training to build capacity across the for-purpose sector.
- Strategic litigation, policy and law reform projects to promote systemic change.
Drawing on the HSF values, our pro bono practice strives to be:
- Human-centered in our approach.
- Bold in our choices.
- Outstanding in the eyes of our pro bono clients.
We also seek out opportunities to undertake pro bono work that reinforces the firm’s Leading for Impact strategy, particularly in the areas of Sustainability and Social Mobility.
Our global pro bono practice is led by Sydney-based Partner Brooke Massender and a dedicated full-time pro bono team.
As an impact driven practice, I'm particularly proud of the deep client relationships we've built over many years. We recognise that the needs and priorities of our pro bono clients are constantly evolving.
Recent pro bono news
Herbert Smith Freehills represents Public Law Project in intervention in public protest case
Herbert Smith Freehills has represented its client Public Law Project, on a pro bono basis, in its intervention in the high-profile case of R (Liberty) …
Landmark case sees decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy between men in Mauritius
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Mauritius has declared that legislation criminalising private, same-sex, consensual sexual activity is …
Herbert Smith Freehills and Toynbee Hall announce new collaboration to expand housing legal support in East London
Herbert Smith Freehills is proud to announce a new collaboration with Toynbee Hall, home to the world's oldest continuously running free legal advice …
Key contacts
Brooke Massender
Global Head of Pro Bono, Partner, Sydney
Bianca Janovic
Pro Bono Counsel (Australia), Melbourne
Lara Nassif
Pro Bono Counsel, London
Matteo Yoon
Senior Associate, Pro Bono, London
Ali French
Pro Bono Senior Associate, Sydney
Kishaya Delaney
Solicitor, Sydney