Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

Shearman & Sterling believes that undertaking pro bono work is an essential part of every lawyer's practice.  While serving the needs of individuals and not-for-profit organisations with limited access to legal services, the pro bono experience connects our lawyers to the communities in which we work.

We are dedicated to offering pro bono opportunities to all our lawyers in every office.  Our multi-jurisdictional practice uniquely qualifies us to address pro bono matters around the world, whether at a Legal Advice Centre in East London or in the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) - the only US law firm engaged as pro bono counsel in this important international legal justice initiative.

The firm's pro bono programme is also about choice.  Our lawyers are encouraged to select their own qualifying pro bono matters, subject to standard conflicts of interest policies.  There are no ideological limitations or geographic boundaries.  Lawyers in the London office can represent artists in New York City while lawyers in the Washington, DC office can assist not-for-profit organisations in China.  No matter is too large or too small.

Combining outstanding lawyering skills with good intentions to produce practical results is the cornerstone of Shearman & Sterling's pro bono practice.  The firm's long-standing engagements in assisting communities around the world stem from our belief that there are many levels to our professional mandate.  We are also deeply committed to doing all we can to support our lawyers in their pro bono contributions.