Pro Bono Hong Kong

Pro Bono Hong Kong is an independent Hong Kong-based non-profit organisation established in 2014. Its mission is to empower the impoverished, distressed, or vulnerable in our community to access justice so they can access opportunities on an equal footing - free from discrimination and unlawful, unfair, or unjust practices.

We help ensure that everyone has equal protection of the law and that no one is denied the ability to exercise their legal rights under the law due to a lack of financial or other resources.

I joined Pro Bono Hong Kong as a volunteer in December 2022 and was appointed as a Board Director in May 2023.

I currently lead Pro Bono Hong Kong's social media and marketing workstreams.

Visit Pro Bono Hong Kong's website

BOARD DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
(May 2023)

We are happy to announce two new Board Members who have joined our Board this month: Elizabeth Chan (陳曉彤) and Edward Boyle.

We interview Lizzie today for our "Meet the Director" series.

When and why did you start volunteering for Pro Bono Hong Kong?

I began my journey with Pro Bono Hong Kong when I attended the Hong Kong Arbitration Charity Ball, where the organisation was a beneficiary.

During the event, I had the privilege of meeting Annie Tang, one of Pro Bono Hong Kong's former directors. Her insights into the organisation's work in providing free legal advice to those in need resonated with me.

It also resonated with my past experiences as a young lawyer in Wellington, New Zealand, where I volunteered at a community law center and was part of LawSpot, a project aimed at enhancing the accessibility of legal advice by facilitating online queries.

The challenges faced by individuals in accessing affordable legal counsel and the complexities lawyers can encounter even in seemingly simple cases are something I am acutely aware of.

With my move back to Hong Kong, engaging in community legal work was a priority for me, and Pro Bono Hong Kong presented a great opportunity to contribute to a cause I am passionate about.

What have you been working on with Pro Bono Hong Kong?

Initially, my contributions were centered on enhancing Pro Bono Hong Kong's social media presence and growing our follower base. Effective communication regarding the impact of our work is indispensable for securing funding from partners that enable us to carry out our mission.

I also initiated an online fundraising campaign named "Pay Pro Bono Hong Kong forward" in January this year. The concept was to create a chain of donations by encouraging individuals to contribute small amounts on behalf of a friend. Though the campaign raised a modest sum of HKD 3000, it was instrumental in defraying some administrative expenses.

Currently, my focus is on familiarising myself with the various aspects of Pro Bono Hong Kong's operations to assess how I can make the most meaningful contribution.

What do you hope to bring as a Board Director and what do you hope to learn?

Having served on the Board of a French NGO, ArbitralWomen, for three years, I have gained valuable experience in governance and leadership.

As a Board Director at Pro Bono Hong Kong, I want to apply the insights gained from my previous role while also broadening my understanding of effective governance practices in diverse settings.

For example, I am currently enrolled in a Board Director course with the Foundation for Shared Impact, where I am learning about what makes effective boards and the responsibilities that come with being a Board Director.

I look forward to continuing to learn from my fellow Board Directors and volunteers.

My aspiration is to collaboratively foster an organisation that is resilient, sustainable, and has a meaningful impact on the community we serve.

MAY DRINKS
(25 May 2023)

Thank you to our friends and volunteers who joined us for drinks last week!

We couldn't do our work without you.

GHETTO JUSTICE IN REAL LIFE
(25 April 2023)

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our webinar, "Ghetto Justice* in Real Life: From a TV Drama Inspiration to Pro Bono in Real Life", on 25 April 2023.

Our Director, Gon Yeung, shared his personal story about why he became a lawyer and got involved in pro bono work.

Our Volunteer, Elizabeth Chan, introduced Pro Bono Hong Kong and how everyone can join and contribute.

Thank you to the Lawyers Christian Fellowship - HK for hosting us and to Anthony Lo for the invitation.

* "Ghetto Justice" is a Hong Kong TV drama about a lawyer who fights for justice for the underprivileged.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
(8 March 2023)

On International Women's Day, Pro Bono Hong Kong thanks its women+ clients, volunteers, friends, family, supporters and allies.

Design by Elizabeth Chan

PRO BONO HONG KONG
MARCH DRINKS
(2 March 2023)

Thanks to probonohk's friends and allies for joining our March drinks!

We're excited to start the year with several new committees in charge of our legal clinics, educational programmes, social media, fundraising, socials and more.

A shout-out to our directors, Davyd Wong • Lawyer and Gon Yeung, our volunteer coordinator, Chantal Chung, and our new treasurer, Edward Boyle.

PRO BONO HONG KONG
MARCH DRINKS INVITATION
(2 March 2023)

We had so much fun at our January drinks, we're bringing them back in March! Join us for some casual drinks on Thursday, 2 March, from 18:00-20:00 at Liberty Exchange, Central.

In case you were wondering, Davyd Wong is Pro Bono Hong Kong's Founder.

Design by Elizabeth Chan