Pro Bono
We take the role we can play in society seriously
In addition to our for-profit work, we recognise the contribution we can make in improving the environment and society. We do this by doing what we do best: providing legal advice, and to people who have limited access to the justice system. We also support our clients in developing, launching and strengthening their own social responsibility initiatives and projects.
The pro bono cases we take on contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our Pro Bono practice focuses is on no. 16: Justice and Strong Institutions. This way, we promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Our Pro Bono practice is among the largest in Europe, with over 10,000 hours spent on 84 matters by 207 of our lawyers over the course of 2024.
We always create opportunities to work for pro bono clients during normal working hours.
Recent Matters
Pro bono practice supports Bureau Clara Wichmann on female prisoners' rights
De Brauw advocates for the protection of rights of detained women, alongside Bureau Clara Wichmann and Loonstein Advocaten
Dutch government issues public apology to transgender and intersex community
“Chambers Europe Award 2024: Outstanding Firm.”
UNICEF
UNICEF is the world's leading organisation for children, no matter who they are or where they live. To protect the rights of every child, UNICEF brings together more than 70 years of field-tested expertise, a network that spans more than 190 countries and territories, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to make every euro count.
The partnership with UNICEF the Netherlands focuses on child rights issues. Therefore, De Brauw is committed to provide ongoing pro bono legal advice and guidance on several projects that contribute to the enhancement of children's rights. De Brauw has participated in several legal matters, from the Dutch government's duties regarding youth care, to the issue of domestic violence and child abuse in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Invictus Games 2022
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for current and former military members, whether wounded, injured or sick. Harnessing the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and ignite a wider understanding and a deeper respect for those who serve their country, the Invictus Games is a platform that enlarges mindsets and inspires society. We are proud to play our part.
Our collaboration with the Invictus Games started shortly after the initiators (Mart de Kruif, Conny Wanting and Pim Versteeg) succeeded bringing this inspiring and international event to be hosted in the Netherlands. The international, public and specialist nature of this event makes legal support a challenging responsibility, notwithstanding the additional layer of complexity contributed by the pandemic. We are committed to providing pro bono legal support to oversee the Games' contractual arrangements with the Netherlands, commercial partners and suppliers. Our aim is to act as a strategic sounding board for the organisers while they navigate the logistical and legal framework as the Games approach.
The Ocean Cleanup
Over 5 trillion pieces of plastic currently litter the world’s oceans. The purpose of The Ocean Cleanup – whose founder received the United Nations Champions of the Earth Award winner – is to rid the oceans of plastic. We are proud to play a role in this ambitious goal.
Our collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup dates back to early 2015, when it was still a startup. We act as trusted adviser to their General Counsel and Management Team. We have been involved in various legal matters, from document drafting and intellectual property issues, to corporate restructuring and contacts with public authorities. Our work has included a landmark agreement with the Netherlands on the legal status, operation and protection of the Ocean Cleanup's systems, which enabled them to actually launch its systems. Further, we have been involved with patenting the new technology, and insuring risky ocean survey operations.
Impact Hub
Impact Hub is a locally rooted and globally connected entrepreneurial network of 17,000+ members in 100+ locations. All members work towards enabling tangible positive impact, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals. Impact Hub aims to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world, inspire collaboration around key issues between unlikely allies, and support impact-driven entrepreneurs on their journey from idea to impact at scale.
For over five years, De Brauw has been a partner of the Impact Hub Amsterdam. Within this programme, our youngest cohort of associates help several startups each year, as part of their training programme. They support the startups with their legal expertise and help them start, grow and scale their business and increase their impact. Since the associates are mentored by De Brauw's senior associates, it is an unrivalled opportunity to learn "on the job".
Insights
De Brauw wins Chambers' Europe award for "Pro Bono: Outstanding Firm"
Dutch Supreme Court asked to hear appeal on academic freedom and dismissal
De Brauw pro bono team assists in creation of family charity Het Jeroen Pit Huis
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