Sunday, August 29, 2010

Thompson Reuters Foundation launches global anti-corruption hub

Just a few months ago the Thomson Reuters Foundation launched a global marketplace for free public-service legal assistance and news and information about good governance and anti-corruption issues. CalledTrustLaw, it will connect NGOs, social entrepreneurs and governments in need of free legal assistance with lawyers willing to work at no cost. It also “enables lawyers to engage in high impact pro bono work with confidence and efficiency,” a Thomson Reuters announcement said.
 
An Introduction on the TrustLaw website says:
 
TrustLaw is a global centre for free legal assistance and anti-corruption news, run byThomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of the world's leading provider of news and information, Thomson Reuters.
In common with all of the Foundation's programmes, TrustLaw aims to empower people in need by providing trusted information and leveraging professional expertise. We offer services to improve access to the rule of law and foster greater transparency.
Our mission is twofold:
  • Spread the culture and practice of pro bono work around the world, connecting those who need legal assistance with lawyers willing to work at no cost
  • Offer a one-stop shop for news and information on good governance and anti-corruption issues
At the heart of TrustLaw is an ambitious electronic platform called TrustLaw Connect, which offers lawyers and pro bono managers a way to easily connect with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments and social entrepreneurs seeking free legal services.
TrustLaw believes such clients have the potential to address many of the world's environmental, humanitarian and social problems, but their effectiveness may be impeded by lack of legal resources. Thomson Reuters Foundation strives to close this gap through its free services.
TrustLaw also features a growing repository of news and information around anti-corruption and governance issues, including national legislation, international conventions, articles, reports, country profiles and law reviews.
Content comes from our own team of specialist journalists as well as from international institutions, law firms, governments, NGOs and others.