Dublin, 25 April 2024: To mark Pro Bono Day, the In-House Pro Bono Network (Pro Bono Network), a community of volunteer in-house legal teams in Ireland and A&L Goodbody LLP, yesterday hosted two in-person pro bono events to support the Irish Refugee Council and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. The events included legal teams from AIB, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, BNY Mellon, DCC plc, PTSB, Stripe, Western Union and Visa.

The morning event with the Irish Refugee Council (IRC) was designed to equip recently arrived international protection applicants to enter the labour market in Ireland. The session focused on employment law rights and setting up a business in Ireland. Lawyers from the Pro Bono Network presented on the topics, followed by group discussions.

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI), now in its 20th year, has supported more than 600 social entrepreneurs across Ireland, providing over €14 million in funding and pro bono supports during that time. The afternoon event with SEI’s Impact Awardees delved into potential HR challenges and managing reputational risks. Attendees again heard from ALG and lawyers and from the Pro Bono Network who shared their expertise and insights into the topics.

The events were organised to mark In-House Pro Bono Day, which is celebrated globally in the US, UK, Germany and now Ireland. Similar events were taking place yesterday in London, Birmingham, and Frankfurt.

Speaking at yesterday’s events, Catherine May (General Counsel, Bank of America Europe), from the Pro Bono Network said: “It was fantastic to see in-house legal teams from the Pro Bono Network and ALG coming together with our partners from the Irish Refugee Council and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. The Pro Bono Network connects volunteer in-house legal teams with non-profit organisations and people in need of free legal services. There are a growing number of Irish organisations with in-house legal teams who are committed to provide pro bono services, which is great to see. Since it was established last year, we have seen a significant growth in the number of members joining the Pro Bono Network. In-house legal teams recognise the benefit we can bring to society and the impact on individuals’ lives. We anticipate continuing growth in pro bono activity by in-house legal teams in the future.”

Commenting further, Nick Henderson, CEO of the IRC, said: “The people we work with arrive with little to no knowledge of the Irish labour market. They often ask us questions about if and when they can work or what they need to do to start a business. Helping them to understand their labour rights significantly eases the difficulties they face navigating the international protection system. As a small independent charity working in a high-demand environment, pro bono support from firms and corporates has a big impact on the quality and reach of our work.”

CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Tim Griffiths added: “Our team at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland have supported over 600 social entrepreneurs who are solving Ireland’s social and environmental issues. Yet, this journey isn’t navigated alone. Social entrepreneurs require the support and expertise of sector leaders and business experts, exemplified by yesterday's collaboration with ALG and Pro Bono Network. This event is a wonderful example of utilising the cumulative power of people to create lasting social change.”