Now in their tenth year, the TrustLaw Awards celebrate groundbreaking pro bono projects undertaken by legal teams on behalf of NGOs and social enterprises in the TrustLaw network.
Since 2010, the TrustLaw network has grown exponentially, with more than 5,000 NGOs and social enterprises as members, receiving free legal assistance from 1000+ law firms and in-house corporate counsels. The pro bono service has facilitated 7,000 legal projects across 175 countries – empowering thousands of organisations to achieve greater impact.
“TrustLaw was founded ten years ago to connect lawyers offering pro bono legal support to organisations around the world working at the frontlines of social and economic change. Back then, free legal aid for NGOs and social enterprises was rare. Today, the landscape has changed substantially. TrustLaw is now the largest pro bono network in the world. It’s been a remarkable journey that wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous generosity of our legal partners,” said Antonio Zappulla, CEO, Thomson Reuters Foundation.
This year, as the Coronavirus pandemic touched every corner of the globe, civil society organisations and social enterprises faced overwhelming challenges. TrustLaw is working closely with its partners to increase efforts to provide dedicated pro bono support during these uncertain times. As a response to the global health crisis, TrustLaw launched the COVID-19 Resource Hub, which features webinars, guides, and tools for NGOs and social enterprises to learn about and respond to legal issues that could arise during the pandemic. Over six months, TrustLaw co-hosted more than 30 webinars, attended by 1,200 NGOs and social enterprises across 16 countries.
“With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to challenge every aspect of our lives, communities have needed to become more resilient, and able to tackle the socio-economic inequalities driven by this global health emergency. We will continue - with our partners - to work towards a sustainable and inclusive recovery. The vital pro bono legal support we facilitate will help NGOs and social enterprises survive this uncertain time - and thrive in the changing world beyond it,” said Carolina Henriquez-Schmitz, Director of TrustLaw at the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we decided to announce the 2020 TrustLaw Award winners online. We hope to be able to celebrate together in 2021.
The diversity of this year’s winners epitomises TrustLaw’s success in strengthening the practice of pro bono worldwide to support NGOs and social enterprises.
TrustLaw Impact Award: Fighting Blood Shortages in Kenya
Sisu Global Health, CFL Advocates, and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton
Read the impact story here.
TrustLaw Innovation Award Winner: Protecting Kelp Forests in Japan
Rakkotai/Mobile Sea Otters and Nishimura & Asahi
Read the impact story here.
TrustLaw Collaboration Award: Working Together for Freedom of Information in Ecuador
Fundamedios and Ferrere Abogados, Philippi Prietocarrioza Ferrero DU & Uría, Ritch, Mueller, Heather y Nicolau, S.C., KLA - Koury Lopes Advogados & ObradorDigital SpA
Read the impact story here.
TrustLaw International Law Firm of the Year: White & Case LLP
“White & Case is honoured to be named TrustLaw’s ‘International Law Firm of the Year’ for 2020. This has been a difficult year for so many in the world. TrustLaw has been one of our strongest partners for global pro bono work, connecting us to NGOs and social enterprises navigating pandemic related issues, in addition to referring to us its usual outstanding roster of clients in need, where we’ve been privileged to offer pro bono legal assistance.”
Jacquelyn MacLennan, Head of Global Pro Bono Practice, White & Case LLP
TrustLaw Domestic Law Firm of the Year: Arthur Cox
“Collaborating with TrustLaw helps Arthur Cox deliver meaningful pro bono assistance to those most in need. TrustLaw plays a vital role in connecting us with NGOs providing frontline legal services, and together we develop pro bono projects to improve access to justice for vulnerable people in our community.”
Carolann Minnock, Pro Bono Associate, Arthur Cox
TrustLaw In-house Legal Team of the Year: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
“We sincerely appreciate our collaboration with TrustLaw which continues to shape our pro bono story. Even during these unprecedented times, TrustLaw’s continuous support has helped us in accomplishing our pro bono program during the year. We ascribe this success largely to your support and assistance.”
TrustLaw Anniversary Award: Latham & Watkins LLP
“Thanks to our truly meaningful partnership with TrustLaw, we have worked on hundreds of pro bono matters, from cross-border human rights research to transactional matters and legal clinics. We are united by a shared commitment to pro bono and the impact it can have on vulnerable communities and nonprofits.” Latham & Watkins LLP
TrustLaw Lawyer of the Year: Julia Anabel Sainz - Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal, Argentina
“Trabajar con Anabel significa contar con una gran profesional que nos permite trabajar con total confianza. Su calidad humana es fundamental para sentirla como una gran aliada y parte del equipo de Médicos Sin Fronteras.
Working with Anabel means counting on a great professional who allows us to work with total confidence. Her humanity makes her a great partner and member of the Médicos Sin Fronteras team.”
Nominated by Médicos Sin Fronteras, Argentina
