a) The Clearing House

The pro bono clearing house is a one-stop center where individuals, NGOs and communities underserved by public systems are matched with PILP’s registered pro bono counsel.

• The scheme boasts of a growing network of over two hundred (200) partner law firms and NGOs
• The impact of the scheme is best reflected in the number of people provided with quality legal help in criminal and civil suits – over three thousand six hundred (3600) to date
• Cases have included two public interest class action suits of one-hundred (110) and forty-eight (48) people respectively.
• Pro bono services range from offering criminal defence to indigent awaiting trial inmates, assisting with matrimonial cause proceedings, domestic violence, child defilement and child custody matters, land matters etc.
• Pro Bono beneficiaries include indigent, marginalized and vulnerable groups and the scheme also partners with organisations which promote the welfare of women, children and people with disabilities.
• Cases are referred to the clearing house from various sources including the Nigerian Prison Services, Nigerian Police Authority, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, Citizens Mediation Center, the Office of the Public Defender, Directorate of Citizen’s Rights, Public Advice Center, walk-In clients etc

By automating our clearing house platform, we are capable of interacting with all PILP stakeholders and matching a much larger scope of pro bono applicants with the services they require. This includes those residing in remote areas. Our portal also allows us to efficiently share relevant information relating to unrepresented indigent awaiting trial inmates at the Nigerian Corrections Services, to our registered pro bono lawyers who are willing to provide free legal services to the inmates. Furthermore, survivors of domestic and sexual violence are able to more easily access our pro bono legal assistance in a more secure and timely manner. Additionally, we are able expand our law school legal clinic efforts and provide more legal resources to eligible beneficiaries, including business owners of limited means, thus engaging in community economic development.

Our PILP project officers and pro bono liaison centers are also available to navigate you to the services you require. Kindly take advantage of any of our multiple contact options, should you require their assistance.

b) Special Projects:

The organisation aims to inspire lawyers to engage in pro bono services through several projects. A sampling of PILP’s projects include our collaboration with the Government aimed at bridging the justice gap in Nigeria through technology; Justice Needs Assessment Study, Policy Advocacy, the Annual Pro Bono Week, Law School Legal Clinics, Stakeholders’ Conferences, Prison Reforms, Informal Justice Court, Prison Empowerment Initiative, Governor’s Pro Bono Awards Dinners amongst others. More detailed information on our projects can be found in our impact reports.