Three webinars. One shared mission: advancing human rights and sustainable development through the power of law.
From Tuesday 23 September to Thursday 25 September, A4ID’s 2025 webinar series convened NGOs, social enterprises, and legal professionals to explore how collaboration and pro bono legal support can help drive impact in an increasingly resource-constrained environment.
Across the three sessions, participants examined practical ways to strengthen human rights and development outcomes — while showcasing A4ID-facilitated pro bono partnerships that have enabled NGOs and development organisations to overcome legal barriers, unlock opportunities, and scale their impact.
The series reinforced the growing importance of pro bono legal expertise as a vital resource for the development sector, both now and in the years ahead.
Sessions included:
Each discussion brought together expert insight, practical strategies, and lived experience — demonstrating how legal expertise can help create lasting, meaningful change where it is needed most.
The suspension of USAID funding has triggered a crisis across NGOs and humanitarian agencies, leading to service suspensions, program closures, and job losses.
This first webinar in A4ID 2025 series brought together the international development and legal sectors – two lifelines for vulnerable populations – to explore how, united, they can provide meaningful and sustainable support in this new resource constrained environment.
Speakers included:
Jim Fitzgerald – Director of Equal Rights Trust
Jean Scrimgeour – Co-CEO and Chief Innovation and Operations Officer at Accountability Law
Constantin Fladerer-Burgess – Head of Legal at REEEP
James Aiken A4ID – Pro Bono Legal Services Lead
The webinar highlighted the pivotal role that lawyers play in ensuring accountability, promoting responsible business, and expanding access to justice. Through pro bono legal assistance initiatives and strategic partnerships, the legal community can amplify impact, reduce inequalities, and foster a culture of equity and justice for all. These collaborative approaches ensure that the rule of law is not only preserved but also adapted to address emerging challenges such as climate change, human rights compliance, and sustainable economic development.
The session explored:
Speakers:
Shirly Amayo – Reprieve
Leonie Mutoni – Director of Programs at the Legal Aid Forum Rwanda
Patrick Karanja – A4ID lead consultant Africa
Moderator:
Joseph Byomuhangyi – Ugandan legal and policy expert
South Asia holds a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), given its diverse population, economic potential, and unique social challenges. In this session, A4ID brings together partners to explore the challenges, as well as opportunities and highlight the vital role of legal professionals in addressing social challenges and driving sustainable development across South Asia.
The session explored:
Speakers:
CP Shruthi – The Square Circle Clinic
Lakshmi Bhatia – Women in Value Chains Network
Umer Aiman Khan – Legal Circle
Vishavjeet Chaudhary – A4ID South Asia Lead Consultant
Moderator
Govind Manoharan – LAWASIA Human Rights Committee