Pro Bono Deutschland e.V. – Your portal on pro bono legal advice in Germany
Welcome to Pro Bono Deutschland e.V.
Pro Bono Deutschland e.V. was founded in February 2011. Our members are law firms and lawyers practising law in Germany. Our statutory objective is to support corporate citizenship in the area of pro bono (gratuitous) legal advice for the common good, especially for charitable purposes.
Pro Bono Deutschland e.V. is committed to social justice, democracy and the rule of law and to the recognition of human rights in particular. As a matter of principle, our pro bono activities are non-political.
European Pro Bono Week 2025 – Germany
June 9–13, 2025
The webinar will aim to untangle the role of pro bono in civic space, where actors face increasing legal pressure, uncertainties, and challenges. This webinar will also provide a Global and European overview on civic space health, issues, and resilience, which will be discussed in more detail during the local events.
Pro Bono Partnerships in Times of Social Challenges
This event sheds light on the key challlenges that non-profit organisations in Germany are facing due to the current political atmosphere. It outlines concrete ways in which legal support can be provided. Topics include defamatory reports to tax authorities as well as cuts or the withdrawal of public funding.
Representatives from civil society and committed lawyers will discuss the most pressing issues and present legal approaches made possible through strategic and sustainable pro bono engagement.
Programme and Registration
10:30 – Keynote
Siri Hummel, Director, Maecenata Institut für Philanthropie und Zivilgesellschaft
10:50 – Panel
Behind-the-Scenes: Current Issues faced by Non-Profit Organisations
Volunteers in civil society organisations take on key tasks and are increasingly reaching their limits. In addition to being overwhelmed by bureaucracy and a lack of appreciation, there is currently also uncertainty in view of the political framework conditions.
In our first panel discussion, we are eager to hear: What uncertainties and hostilities do employees and volunteers face on a day-to-day basis? Together, we want to find out which legal issues are particularly relevant. What is needed to sustainably strengthen volunteering and ensure social diversity?
Julian von Imhoff, Bao Nguyen, Gibson Dunn
Aenne Kopprasch, Landessportbund Thüringen
Friederike Petersen, Stiftung Bürgermut
Moderated by: Benita Piechaczek, UPJ
12:00 – Panel
Effective Partnerships – Strategic Support, Sustainable Empowerment
When civil society engagement comes under pressure, legal backing is essential – but how can legal support make a difference in such situations?
Using practical examples from collaborations between law firms and non-profit organisations, we demonstrate the potential of strategic pro bono engagement – especially when structures are growing, faltering, or need to be reimagined. At the same time, we take a closer look at where legal support is already making an impact and where further potential lies.
Valentin Hacken, Halle gegen Rechts – Bündnis für Zivilcourage
Philipp Koch, CMS Deutschland
Fabian Mayer, Constantin Meimberg, White & Case
Thea Schäfer, Dachverband Studentischer Rechtsberatungen e.V.
Dirk Schoene, Dentons
Moderated by: Katja Josenhans and Peter Braun, Pro Bono Deutschland
After the discussions, join us for networking over drinks and snacks (End: 14:00).
10 Year Anniversary Pro Bono Deutschland e.V.
This is what Pro Bono Deutschland e.V. offers….
Informing our members on pro bono issues and the wider field of Corporate Social Responsibility
Our annual pro bono event is another important element of our offering for members. A new, topical theme is chosen each year by the members.
Liaising with legal professional institutions
The German Lawyers‘ Association has emerged as an important contact for pro bono issues and CSR. Several meetings on joint initiatives with the German Lawyers’ Association to further integrate pro bono legal advice in the German legal sector have taken place in the past.
Supporting pro bono for law students
In 2016 and 2017, we additionally sponsored a legal internship for the CCBE/German Lawyers‘ Association’s project „European Lawyers in Lesvos“ (ELiL).
Supporting pro bono infrastructure
We also sponsor the annual PILnet Pro Bono Forum to network and share best practice on a global and European level. The Forum brings together hundreds of representatives from NGOs, law firms, legal professional institutions and the political sector each year.
This is what Pro Bono Deutschland e.V. DOESN’T offer
Pro bono legal advice
Distribution of pro bono requests to members, law firms or lawyers
