For the right to a defense

Marcos Fuchs, director of the Pro Bono Institute, is named pro bono lawyer of the year by the International Bar Association

Marcos Fuchs, director of the Pro Bono Institute, is named pro bono lawyer of the year by the International Bar Association

Marcos Fuchs, founder and director of the IPB (Pro Bono Institute) and associate director of Conectas, has been chosen by the IBA (International Bar Association) – one of the world’s leading lawyers’ organizations – as pro bono lawyer of the year.

“I was very proud to hear the decision of the IBA’s judging committee. I think this is one of the most important victories for Brazilian pro bono counsel on the international level,” said Fuchs. “I can only thank everyone on the staff at the Pro Bono Institute, law firms, lawyers, members of the Board of IPB and donors for their tireless assistance helping us achieve this recognition.”

This is the first time that the award has been given to a representative of civil society. Before Fuchs, the Brazilian lawyer Flavia Regina de Souza, president of the Board of IPB, had already been a recipient, but in the capacity of a lawyer from a private firm.

Fuchs is one of the leading defenders in Brazil of the right to provide free legal assistance. In June, pro bono counsel was finally included in article 30 of the new Code of Ethics and Discipline that is pending in the Federal Council of the OAB (Brazilian Bar Association). Before this, free legal counsel was not regulated and could only be offered to non-profit organizations.