Lex Mundi Member Firms in the U.S., UK, Singapore, and Thailand Assist Prominent Organization's Effort to Combat Modern Slavery Globally

The International Labor Organization estimates that nearly 25 million children and adults of all ages and backgrounds are victims of human trafficking, including forced labor and sex trafficking, worldwide. It will take a widespread effort by governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to stop these heinous crimes.

The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS) is a bold public-private partnership developing a $1.5 billion fund to coordinate a coherent, global strategy to end modern slavery by making it economically unprofitable. GFEMS works across sectors and geographies focusing on three core programmatic pillars: rule of law, business engagement, and sustaining freedom. With impressive funding commitments from the governments of the UK, U.S., and Norway, GFEMS is scaling up its strategy of proactively engaging governments and private sector partners to fund transformative programs and technologies to reduce the prevalence of modern slavery.

To date, Lex Mundi member firms in four countries have worked to assist GFEMS to expand its critical mission. Jenner & Block LLP, Steptoe & Johnson, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, and Tilleke & Gibbins have all provided pro bono legal advice and counsel to the GFEMS team on a variety of topics including detailed guidance on compliance with government contracts in the U.S. and UK and advice on establishing potential branch entities in Singapore and Thailand.

“GFEMS is grateful to the member firms of Lex Mundi for their partnership and expertise,” said Jean Baderschneider, CEO and Founding Board Member of GFEMS. “We continue to be inspired by our partners around the world who are mobilizing to help build and execute a global strategy to end modern slavery by making it economically unprofitable.”

“Our pro bono work on behalf of GFEMS has been positive on all accounts,” said Paul Hurst, a Partner in Steptoe & Johnson’s Government Contracts practice. “Our team has been able to utilize our expertise in government contracting to help GFEMS establish innovative and impactful programs. Being a partner with an organization with such an important mission and impressive reach has been inspiring.”

Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Announces New Appointments to its Board of Directors

During the Lex Mundi Annual Connect & Collaborate Conference in London on May 10, 2024, Carlos Velázquez De León was elected as the new Chair of Lex Mundi and Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also elected Aniekan Ukpanah, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (Nigeria), to the position of Chair-Elect and Christel Van den Eynden, Liedekerke (Belgium), as a new director. The three new members join the Foundation’s current directors in seeking to embody the highest ideals of the legal profession. By promoting and facilitating the delivery of pro bono legal services, they support those positively improving lives worldwide.

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2024 Pro Bono Foundation Annual Award Winners

The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation (the “Foundation”) was proud to recognize the following 2024 award recipients:

  • Day Pitney LLP, Lex Mundi member for USA, New Jersey
  • Deacons, Lex Mundi member for Hong Kong
  • Dudley Newman Feuerzeig LLP, Lex Mundi member for U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Shalakany Law Office, Lex Mundi member for Egypt
  • Wardyński & Partners, Lex Mundi member for Poland

 

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News on Purpose

In This Issue:

  • Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Leading the Way in Support for Social Entrepreneurs: The Rise Ahead Pledge and Corporate Social Innovation Compass
  • Increasing Access to Assistive Technology
  • Arthur Cox, a Pro Bono Champion in Ireland
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News On Purpose

In This Issue

  • Another Banner Year, 2023 in Review
  • Activating Humanitarian Resources Near Rafah
  • Bringing Safe Water to Schools
  • New Canadian Bar Association President Leading By Example
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Legal Resources to Support those Responding to Humanitarian Needs Near Rafah

In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis near Rafah, our Lex Mundi member for Egypt, Shalakany, has generously provided high-level guidance for NGOs seeking to activate resources in the area.

Find answers to the following questions:

  1. What is the regulatory framework for incorporating a foreign NGO in Egypt?
  2. What are the challenges associated with the incorporation of a foreign NGO in Egypt?
  3. What are the available alternative forms of registration?
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News on Purpose

In this Issue

  • Landmark UN Resolution on the Social Economy Passes with the Help of the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation and its Collaborators
  • Congratulations to Alfredo Silva, an Incredible Lex Mundi Member Lawyer and Champion
  • Afghan Musicians Find a New Home Thanks to Lex Mundi Member Law Firms
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