APBC&A2JX FAQ
Who are the organizers (IOC &LOC) ?
The APBC & A2JX is organized through a collaboration between an International Organizing Committee (IOC) and a Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
- International Organisation Committees (IOC): The IOC comprises the Asia Pro Bono Conference Secretariat, coordinated by BABSEACLE, together with consortium partners.
- Local Organisation Committees (LOC): The APBC & A2JX is hosted in a different Asian country each year. For each host country, a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is formed, made up of key local stakeholders in the justice sector, such as bar associations, legal professionals, civil society organizations, and other relevant partners.
Philosophy of the APBC & A2JX
The philosophy of the APBC & A2JX is unique. Its purpose is not only to deliver an annual conference, but to strengthen pro bono culture and access to justice across Asia and globally. By rotating the host country each year and working closely with local partners, the conference promotes long-term collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building.
What is the difference between pro bono, volunteer and legal aid?
| Topic | Pro Bono | Volunteer | Legal Aid |
| Who provides it | Qualified lawyers or legal professionals, professional skills | Anyone | Government or state-supported organizations |
| Type of work | Legal advice, Legal representation, and legal expertise | General support and services | Legal services |
| Professional qualification required | Yes | No | Yes |
| Service fee | Free of charge or low cost | Free of charge | Free of charge |
| Responsibility | Individual lawyer or law firm subject to professional ethics | Individual volunteer | Government or legal aid organization |
| Main purpose | Use legal expertise to improve access to justice to ensure everyone can law | Support communities through time and effort | Ensure access to basic legal services |
In conclusion: Pro bono uses professional legal skills, volunteer work offers general support, and legal aid provides government-supported legal services.
Why do pro bono?
- Develops skills of junior lawyers: Pro bono work helps junior lawyers build confidence, practical legal skills, and professional judgment through hands-on experience.
- Improves access to justice: Pro bono enables individuals and communities who cannot afford legal services to access legal representation, promoting fairness and equality within the legal system.
- Enhances a firm’s reputation and values: A strong pro bono culture reflects social responsibility and ethical commitment, strengthening a firm’s public image and attracting like-minded clients and talent.
- Creates opportunities for collaboration: Pro bono work encourages collaboration across practice areas and organisations, strengthening professional relationships and networks.
- Provides personal fulfilment: Pro bono reminds lawyers of the purpose behind their profession and offers the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact.
- Broadens legal experience: Pro bono allows lawyers to work in areas outside their usual practice, expanding legal knowledge and exposure to diverse types of matters.
Why “legal” pro bono?
Legal pro bono is important because the justice gap and unequal access to justice still exist in many countries. Many people cannot afford legal services, even when their rights are at risk. Pro bono legal work helps bridge this gap by allowing qualified legal professionals to provide free legal assistance to those in need. While the term pro bono can apply to free services in other professions, it is most commonly associated with legal services because access to justice means access to legal help.
Who can participate?
APBC & A2JX are open to both legal professionals and non-legal stakeholders who are interested in pro bono and access to justice initiatives. Participants may include:
- Lawyers and legal practitioners
- Law professors
- Law students
- The judiciary
- Government officials
- CSO members
- Others from the region, regionally and internationally involved in pro bono and access to justice initiatives
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