This session explores how bar associations and law societies can turn pro bono from a duty into meaningful change. By setting rules, creating incentives, and building systems for training, quality assurance, and data collection, bars can transform goodwill into real access to justice. Participants will learn from examples across Asia, from Japan’s mandatory comply-or-contribute model to NGO-driven approaches, highlighting practical lessons and trade-offs.

Through a moderated conversation with bar leaders and live audience engagement, the session focuses on one question: how can pro bono become part of a profession’s core DNA? Attendees will leave with concrete ideas and at least one actionable step their bar or law society can implement in the next year.

Dinesh Dhillon

Chairman of Pro Bono SG

Vice President of The Law Society of Singapore

Deputy Secretary General of the International Bar Association

Co–Chair of the Asia PacificRegional Forum of the International Bar Association

Past President of The SingaporeInstitute of Arbitrators