Business Details
28 Years
experience
Global Pro Bono Legal Support for Development
Founded in 1998, our organization operates at the intersection of global development and the rule of law. We mobilize pro bono legal expertise to expand economic opportunities and strengthen governance systems worldwide. Our network of seasoned legal professionals delivers tailored support to low-income governments, civil society organizations, and social enterprises across the Global South. With a 25-year track record, we've completed 160 projects in 54 countries, focusing on accountability, natural resource management, responsible technology, and tax policy.Our demand-driven model combines international legal expertise with local knowledge to create sustainable, client-led solutions. We maintain political neutrality while fostering cross-sector collaboration between public and private stakeholders. Our team provides end-to-end project management, ensuring alignment with our mission of advancing justice and inclusive development through legal empowerment.
Services
Pro Bono Legal Support
Civil Society Engagement
Energy Regulation
Natural Resource Management
Tax Policy
Responsible Technology
Legislative Drafting
Capacity Building
Strategic Legal Advice
Anti-Corruption Frameworks
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25-year track record delivering pro bono legal solutions in 54 countries
- Network of senior legal experts from top law firms and academic institutions
- Client-driven approach prioritizing local needs and legal contexts
- Specialized focus on economic development, governance, and human rights law
- Proven impact through 13,000+ annual volunteer hours and 160+ projects
Services
Pro Bono Legal Support
Our volunteer attorneys provide specialized legal expertise to governments and civil society organizations. We offer transactional support, legislative drafting, and strategic advice tailored to local legal frameworks. Our work strengthens legal systems to promote economic development and good governance.
Natural Resource Management
We develop legal frameworks for sustainable resource extraction and revenue management. Our experts create taxation toolkits and regulatory systems to maximize public benefit from mining and energy projects. We work with governments to prevent illicit financial flows and ensure community benefits.
Civil Society Engagement
Our programs strengthen legal protections for civil society organizations and activists. We develop anti-SLAPP defense strategies and legal frameworks to protect freedom of expression. We train local advocates on strategic litigation and policy engagement.
Responsible Technology
We create legal frameworks for ethical technology development and digital rights protection. Our work addresses AI governance, data privacy, and digital platform regulation to ensure technology advances public interest and human rights.
Tax Policy Development
Our tax experts design progressive fiscal regimes for developing economies. We create mining taxation toolkits and anti-avoidance frameworks to strengthen government revenue collection. We train officials on international tax compliance and base erosion prevention.
Questions
What legal areas does ISLP specialize in?
We focus on economic development law, including natural resource management, tax policy, responsible technology, civil society engagement, and investment frameworks.
How does ISLP select its projects?
Projects are client-initiated and undergo rigorous vetting to ensure alignment with our mission, legal impact potential, and sustainability of outcomes.
What regions does ISLP operate in?
We work across the Global South with current active projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA region, Latin America, and Asia.
How can attorneys volunteer with ISLP?
Experienced attorneys can apply through our website, highlighting their expertise in international development law, governance, or related fields.
How is ISLP funded?
We rely on charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners who support our mission of legal empowerment for development.
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