Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced further measures to assist Australian legal practitioners undertake international pro bono work.

The move follows the establishment last year of the International Pro Bono Advisory Group to promote international pro bono work by Australia’s legal profession and identify links with the Government’s international development assistance programs.

A $100,000 injection of funds into the National Pro Bono Resources Centre is a bid to cover some of the costs incurred by law firms and barristers, the government said.

It has also launched a new website portal with links to international pro bono opportunities, resource materials, case studies and practical information for practitioners considering international pro bono work.

An International Pro Bono Roundtable will be held on 27 August 2010 to share lessons learnt in undertaking international pro bono work and explore opportunities for better coordinating this work. The Roundtable will coincide with the 3rd National Access to Justice and Pro Bono Conference in Brisbane.