Our 2024 Annual Report

2024 gave us the chance to resume our normal, intensive work after a year preparing for and enjoying our three trans-continental anniversary celebrations, and the challenges of the pandemic years before that.

It’s clear that international pro bono practice – not to mention the world around us – is vastly different from what the Vance Center started with in 2002.

Some of those changes are encouraging: the proliferation of law firm pro bono programs across Latin America and their growing acceptance as a necessary element, not an accessory, of a law firm’s success; the personal and professional accomplishments of the alumni of our African Legal Fellows Program, many now law firm partners, multinational in-house lawyers, or leaders of their own firms; the interest of corporations in taking on pro bono legal work; the uptick in collaborative projects at a regional or global scale. This year, we worked on projects with many new firms and dozens of new clients – many found us through referrals from satisfied clients.

Other changes are less uplifting: as authoritarian leaders consolidate power around the world, many have targeted civil society groups and public advocates for transparency, against corruption, for the human rights of marginalized groups, the rule of law, and a free press. In other words: the Vance Center’s clients.

This year brought significant challenges for global civil society, and there are more clouds looming. Yet, as events evolve and our work with them, our approach and commitment remain the same: engaging our networks to expand access to justice for all and affirm the role of an ethically active legal profession.

Throughout the year, we heard a consistent call for greater collaboration: from clients and clearinghouses, across sectors and borders. The Vance Center’s role as a connector and convener
puts us in a rarefied position to help drive that collaboration. Our anniversary events underscored the depth and resilience of our international networks and the connections we’ve cultivated,
from Ethiopia to Ecuador. Now, entering another volatile year for the global community, we’re recommitted to our strong relationships and provision of the valuable guidance that comes
from more than two decades in this endeavor.

Even in this treacherous landscape for civil society and the rule of law, we still had plenty to celebrate in 2024, at home and abroad.

In 2024, we worked on 235 pro bono matters, serving 174 clients alongside 844 pro bono lawyers from 164 firms.

Responding to greater need and relying on new resources, we expanded our programs and bolstered our staff capacity, leaving us better prepared for what comes next. From the grassroots level to the United Nations, our legal services helped drive change, grow our network, and expand the vision of pro bono work around the world.

Read the full report here.