Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud delivered the valedictory address at the ABA India Conference 2024, sharing insights and perspectives on legal issues and developments in India. His speech likely covered significant topics relevant to the legal profession and the justice system in the country.
New Delhi: Today (April 16): The American Bar Association (ABA) India Conference 2024 witnessed the establishment of the Indian Law Firms Pro Bono Club (ILFPC). This initiative comes at a time when pro bono services remain a challenging issue in India, with the demand for legal aid surpassing the available supply, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and over 50 million pending cases in the country.
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During the conference, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, delivered the valedictory address and highlighted the complexities surrounding
Philanthropy is seen as conflicting with distributive justice since it establishes a particular social order in an arbitrary way. It proves to be an inconsistent catalyst for change due to its reliance on individual motives and sporadic acts of charity, stemming from its decentralized and uncoordinated nature. While we emphasize philanthropy’s significance in our field, it’s crucial to acknowledge its drawbacks and counter them by promoting institutionalized approaches over ad-hoc individual initiatives.
Recognizing the need for innovative solutions to address the growing demand for pro bono public services, prominent law firms in India took a proactive step by coming together to form the ILFPC.
The founding members of this club include AZB & Partner, JSA Advocates and Solicitors, K Law, Nishith Desai Associates, Saraf & Partners, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, Trilegal, and S&R Associates. These premier law firms have joined forces to establish a collaborative platform that will transform individual pro bono initiatives into a unified effort, ensuring that each member recognizes its institutional obligation to provide pro bono legal assistance on a firm-wide basis.
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Pratibha Jain, Head of Strategy & Group General Counsel at Everstone Group and Chair of the American Bar Association India Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the ILFPC, stating that
The formation of this profession-led club would bring about a fundamental change in the landscape of pro bono services in India. By exclusively admitting premier law firms committed to supporting pro bono work on a firm-wide scale, the ILFPC aims to create a collaborative environment where institutional obligations to take up pro bono matters are prioritized.
The establishment of the ILFPC marks a significant milestone in the legal fraternity’s efforts to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of pro bono services in India. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of its member firms, the ILFPC aims to contribute to the welfare of society and ensure access to justice for those in need.
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As the ILFPC takes shape, it is anticipated that this collaborative initiative will inspire other law firms to engage in pro bono work and encourage the legal community as a whole to prioritize public service. With a firm commitment to providing free legal aid, the ILFPC is poised to make a lasting impact on the Indian legal landscape, addressing the pressing need for pro bono services and promoting a more equitable and just society.
