OUTLINE
CHAMBERS
Pro bono
Access to justice is a fundamental principle of the rule of law. At Outline Chambers, we recognise that the complexity and cost of international legal proceedings can place effective representation beyond the reach of those who need it most — individuals facing persecution, communities affected by mass atrocity, and organisations working to hold states and powerful actors to account.
Pro bono work is an integral part of our practice, grounded in the belief that the quality of legal representation should not be determined by financial means, and that the most important cases are not always the most remunerative ones.
AREAS OF WORK
Our members accept pro bono instructions principally in matters engaging international human rights law, international criminal law, public international law, and related fields, including:
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Applications before international and regional human rights bodies, including the European Court of Human Rights and UN treaty body mechanisms
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Proceedings before international criminal tribunals and hybrid courts
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Asylum and international protection matters raising complex questions of international law
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Strategic litigation in the domestic courts on issues of public international law and fundamental rights
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Advisory work for NGOs, civil society organisations, and individuals engaged in accountability and transitional justice processes
Pro bono assistance may encompass preliminary advice and case assessment, the drafting of written submissions, and full representation at hearings, depending on the circumstances and capacity of our members.
ELIGIBILITY
We consider pro bono applications where the following criteria are met:
We are unable to accept all applications. Priority is given to matters involving grave violations of international human rights or humanitarian law, issues of significant public importance, and cases in which Chambers' particular expertise in international law is most directly engaged.
The applicant is unable to fund private legal representation and has exhausted or is ineligible for other sources of funded assistance, including legal aid.
The matter raises a substantive question of law or a point of principle of sufficient merit to warrant legal advice or representation.
Legal assistance is likely to make a material difference to the outcome of the proceedings or the position of the applicant.
REFERRALS AND APPLICATIONS
Outline Chambers works with a number of law centres, non-governmental organisations, and international legal referral networks. We welcome referrals from professional organisations as well as direct applications from individuals and entities who consider themselves eligible.
Applications should include a concise summary of the matter, the legal issues engaged, the applicant's financial position, and any relevant procedural deadlines. Where time is a material consideration, please indicate this clearly at the outset.
Contact our clerks
All applications will be acknowledged. We aim to provide a substantive response within ten working days.