Understanding University Pro Bono
| Author | William Lee,Balawyn Jones,Rebecca Morrison |
| DOI | 10.1177/2322005816662375 |
| Date | 01 January 2017 |
| Published date | 01 January 2017 |
| Subject Matter | Essays |
Essay
Understanding University Pro Bono
Balawyn Jones1
William Lee1
Rebecca Morrison1
Abstract
This article develops an approach to establishing university pro bono (UPB) programmes in develop-
ing legal jurisdictions. First, through comparative research and surveying of pro bono programmes in
the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, factors which affect the development of UPB programmes
are identified. Second, the authors explore the applicability of different pro bono programme struc-
tures and project types, given available resources, supervisory capacity and student participation in the
context of developing legal jurisdictions. It was found that limited financial resources or internal or
external managerial support does not in itself prohibit the establishment, development or sustain-
ability of UPB programmes. Instead, it simply influences the choice of programme structure and types
of projects which can be successfully undertaken. In conclusion, the article advocates for a context
appropriate ‘adaptation’ of UPB programme structures and projects as opposed to direct transplantation.
Pro bono culture, perceptions of student capability and local context are all key factors which will affect
the development of UPB and the types of projects that can be undertaken. Subject to these factors, it
was found that legal research and community legal education projects are generally the most appropri-
ate types of projects to run where resources are limited.
Introduction
Law students have a considerable capacity to contribute to access to justice through the provision of pro
bono legal services. Despite students’ potential to contribute, there is little research about how students
can be successfully engaged, particularly through university pro bono (UPB) programmes. Research
in this eld has generally focused on the outputs of pro bono activities, such as the number of clients
assisted or legal education seminars conducted, rather than what factors inuence a programme’s
1 Law Student and Alumni at the T.C. Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Australia.
Asian Journal of Legal Education
4(1) 47–60
© 2017 The West Bengal National
University of Juridical Sciences
SAGE Publications
sagepub.in/home.nav
DOI: 10.1177/2322005816662375
http://ale.sagepub.com
Corresponding author:
William Lee, Alumni of the T.C. Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Australia.
E-mail: william.lee@uqconnect.edu.au
Acknowledgments: This article is based on research initially undertaken as part of the Manning Street Project
(a collaboration between the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre and the Caxton Legal Centre). The authors
would like to thank all those who provided assistance, particularly Monica Taylor and Scott McDougall. An earlier
version of this article was presented at the 4th Asia Pro Bono Conference in Mandalay, Myanmar in September 2015.
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