Europe
Select the country below to learn about the culture and provision of pro bono legal services in that jurisdiction.
European Union
This chapter addresses legal and professional privilege in the European Union.
The Republic of Armenia*
Pro bono legal services in Armenia are provided solely on a voluntary, ad hoc basis and are not regulated.
Austria
Pro bono does not have a long history in Austria due to the comprehensive state legal aid scheme.
Azerbaijan
As of today, no pro bono programs have been set up by Azerbaijani law firms or corporate legal departments.
Belarus
Development of pro bono legal services in Belarus is still in its early stages and is not widely known or available to the public.
Belgium
A strong pro bono culture has not traditionally existed in the Belgian domestic legal community for various reasons.
Bulgaria
In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the need to provide pro bono services for vulnerable groups in Bulgaria.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic lacks an entrenched pro bono culture, and pro bono activities are not widespread.
Denmark
In Denmark, legal aid and some limited free legal advice is available, but no established pro bono culture exists with a few limited exceptions.
England & Wales
Pro bono legal services are of increasing importance for attorneys and law firms within England and Wales.
Finland
Pro bono work is not widespread or a significant part of the legal culture in Finland.
France
In France, pro bono practice has rapidly developed in the last decade due to various private initiatives and involvement of the Paris Bar.
Georgia
Most pro bono opportunities in Georgia are offered by nongovernmental organizations, university law clinics and law firms.
Germany
In recent years, there has been widespread press coverage and discussion of pro bono work in Germany.
Greece
The provision of pro bono legal services in Greece is not well-established or widespread.
Hungary
Hungary has a tradition of pro bono legal assistance dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.
The Republic of Ireland
Pro bono legal work continues to develop in the Republic of Ireland, with no foreseeable legal impediments to its continued development.
Northern Ireland
With Northern Ireland’s legal aid system currently undergoing reform, its citizens may need to rely more heavily on pro bono services.
Italy
Pro bono engagement is not a common in Italy, notwithstanding that large global law firms have recently started to engage in such activities.
Latvia
There are a number of opportunities for pro bono legal assistance in Latvia, involving aid to both individuals and NGOs.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein’s comprehensive system of state-funded legal aid minimizes the need for pro bono services.
Malta
While not entirely absent from the Maltese legal practice, pro bono work is not very common in Malta.
Montenegro
Montenegro’s legal system is currently undergoing a period of extensive reform and restructuring.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, people with limited means seeking legal advice are supported by a comprehensive regime of state-funded legal aid.
Norway
Due in large part to Norway’s comprehensive state legal aid system, pro bono work is not widespread or a significant part of the legal culture.
Poland
In Poland, pro bono initiatives are numerous and welcomed by the public.
Portugal
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of law firms developing and promoting pro bono programs in Portugal.
Romania
As Romania’s legal community comes to recognize the value of pro bono engagement, the infrastructure supporting pro bono is improving.
The Russian Federation
A professional environment that accepts pro bono as part of a lawyer’s role in the community is slowly developing in Russia.
Scotland
In recent years, pro bono legal services have become an increasingly important focus for law firms within Scotland.
Serbia
With no national clearinghouses, pro bono opportunities are limited in Serbia and are mostly available through local NGOs.
Slovakia
State-run legal aid and private pro bono organizations are continuing to evolve to facilitate further growth in pro bono activity in Slovakia.
Slovenia
Pro bono is an increasingly important part of the practice of law in Slovenia, and many attorneys accept pro bono cases.
Spain
Opportunities for expanding the scope of pro bono practice in Spain exist, with some large law firms already deeply engaged.
Sweden
Funding cuts within the state welfare system in recent years have created a greater need for legal services among the poor in Sweden.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s comprehensive state-funded legal aid system has limited the perceived need for pro bono services.
Ukraine
Today, lawyers in Ukraine have many opportunities to provide pro bono services by working individually or in collaboration with NGOs.
*Chapter not updated from 2015.