1. Development of Pro Bono in Korea
2017 PILNet Global Forum
Takgon Lee

2. Advent of Public Interest Law and Public Interest Lawyers
Tradition of ‘human rights lawyers’ representing democracy movement
Democratization in late 1980s and expansion of civil society
Concept of ‘public interest law’ vocalized in mid-1990s
In 2004, Gonggam was established with focus on social minorities
Other public interest lawyer groups established

3. Emergence of Law Firm Pro Bono
Law firm’s growth in mid 2000s and corresponding demand from the civil society for the law firms to fulfill their social responsibilities
BKL founded the Dongcheon Foundation, a ‘public interest law foundation’ in 2009, the first to hire full-time pro bono attorney(s)
Other major law firms have followed suit
Emphasis on legal support for social minorities

4. Korean Society Today
Still a vibrant democracy, but widening wealth gap
NGO’s role and importance weakening
Insufficient tolerance for social minorities

5. Access to Justice for Social Minorities
State-subsidized legal aid does not sufficiently protect social minorities and is an inadequate driver to push for legal reform and conduct strategic litigation
Public interest lawyers have been influential in advancing progressive agendas for social minorities

6. Challenges and Opportunities
Number of young lawyers increasing steeply
Competition among law firms intensifying
Increased scrutiny from civil society
‘Peer pressure’ within major law firms
Mandatory pro bono requirement
Efforts for comprehensive pro bono coordination now taking place

7. Questions?

8. Thank you!

9. Back-up slides

10. About Dongcheon Foundation
Pro bono and legal aid services for socially disadvantaged and minorities
Supports and fosters public interest organizations, activists, and pro bono lawyers
Engages in researches on public interest law, pro bono counseling, and legal and policy reforms

11. Emergence of Law Firm Pro Bono
NPO
Law Firm
NPO
사단법인
희망과 동행
나눔과 이음

12. Pro Bono Activities Legislative actions Advocacy Strategic lawsuits
Law/policy reforms
Advocacy
Raising public awareness
Strategic lawsuits
Development of caselaw
‘Social contribution’ activities
Legislative action
Strategic lawsuits
Advocacy