Garrigues has always demonstrated a firm commitment to social responsibility, particularly through the provision of pro bono services. Under its pro bono program, the firm provides legal and tax advisory services free of charge to non-profit entities serving the public interest through charitable, welfare, cultural, civic, research and educational activities.
The program was set up in 2012 in order to formalize the pro bono activity and to provide the firm’s professionals with the tools to carry out this initiative. The general coordination of the program lies with the Pro Bono Committee, made up of professionals from various offices and departments. The committee’s duties include approving new projects and ensuring compliance with the safeguards in place to guarantee the quality of the services provided.
In 2020, the firm provided pro bono legal advice to 127 non-profit entities, taking part in initiatives in Chile, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, Portugal and Peru. Garrigues continues to work with Fundación Pro Bono Spain, of which it is a founding trustee, along with other law firms. These foundations promote legal pro bono work and act as clearing houses to facilitate advice and legal assistance to entities or groups that have difficulties in accessing these services.
Garrigues’ pro bono program furthers achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on the number of hours dedicated to each non-profit under the program, the firm’s contribution to the SDGs in 2018 was primarily as follows: decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), good health and well-being (Goal 3), peace, justice and strong institutions (Goal 16) and zero hunger (Goal 2).
