Pro Bono and Access to Justice session, Dubai 2011 - Pearls and swords

Filmed conference session

During the 19th century some of the traditional Middle East and Gulf countries were famous for their pearl-diving and sword-making. In modern developmental states pearls of wisdom are needed to advance social justice for all, and the rule of law replaces rule by the sword. Law schools and legal practitioners can play a crucial role in this respect by engaging in pro bono activities.

In recent years, in the Middle East and Gulf region, there have been a number of initiatives by law schools and bar associations to promote pro bono work. The session began with a panel discussion by law teachers and lawyers involved in some of these initiatives. It concluded with an interactive exercise in which academic and practising lawyers from the region, and lawyers from other jurisdictions, shared their experiences and encouraged further initiatives in the region.