Celebrating the winners of the
TrustLaw Awards 2023

The TrustLaw Awards are an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate some of the very best legal pro bono from around the world – pro bono at its most innovative, most collaborative, and most impactful.

The diversity of projects highlights the importance of legal assistance in strengthening all aspects of society, from responding to ongoing global threats such as the climate emergency and information crisis to supporting vulnerable communities and protecting the planet.

Meet the winners

TrustLaw Impact Award:
Safeguarding the rights of pretrial detainees in India

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and K&L Gates LLP, Allen & Overy LLP, Nyoh Law Chambers, Shearman & Sterling LLP, Sibtain Akhtar Bokhari

“In India, we have […] successfully advocated with the National Legal Services Authority in India to conduct a campaign for immediate review and release of pre-trial detainees in India. This led to the release of over 24,000 prisoners in six weeks since the campaign. The research has helped us immensely in framing our future interventions in this area, providing us with examples of good legislative provisions that can be effective in reducing the use of pretrial detention.”

Madhurima Dhanuka, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative 

TrustLaw Collaboration Award:
Researching best practices on climate change regulations in South America

Sustentabilidad sin Fronteras and Baker & McKenzie LLP, Eversheds Sutherland LLP, Ferrere Abogados, Muñoz Tamayo y Asociados, Hogan Lovells International LLP, Allende & Brea, Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados

“Climate change should not be overlooked […] and it is important to act right now instead of waiting until the situation is irreversible. Through the project we became aware of how we as lawyers can act in the face of climate change. Laws exist to help us shape our actions, and it is up to us to spread the concern and try to deaccelerate damage to the environment, or even better, stop it.”

 Roxana Gayoso, Counsel at Estudio Echecopar, a member Firm of Baker & McKenzie International

TrustLaw Powered by Pro Bono Award:
Promoting the right to freedom of expression internationally

Blueprint for Free Speech and Ritch, Mueller y Nicolau, S.C

"Personally it was an honour to contribute our expertise and lead our team in a topic that is critical for the overhaul of our legal system to address corruption, promote free speech and improve the functioning of our system.  Professionally it was inspiring to learn new issues, work with such a diverse and talented team and contribute to social change."

James E. Ritch, Ritch Mueller y Nicolau, SC

TrustLaw International Law Firm of the Year Award

TrustLaw Regional Law Firm of the Year Award

TrustLaw In-house Legal Team of the Year Award

Find out more about winners' and nominees' inspiring stories here and view the photos from the ceremony here.