We are pleased to announce the launch of a new project, the International Pro Bono Network (the "Network"), the purpose of which is to engage lawyers across the Americas in important access to justice and human rights issues (www.ipbnetwork.org).   Recently launched in Bogotá, Washington, DC, and New York, the Network is a joint project of the Vance Center and Fundación Pro Bono Chile that mobilizes attorneys and pro bono clearinghouses in the service of high impact public-interest cases. To date, 13 countries across the Americas are participating in the Network. The Network will initially focus on projects in the areas of access to justice, due process of law, defense of human rights advocates, and children's rights.
 

 

This year marks the completion of the tenth year of our South African Visiting Lawyers Program, which has recruited 37 young South African lawyers to intern at New York law firms and legal departments since 2002. Three South African lawyers will participate in the 2011-12 program: Ndumiso Dyantyi, of Lowndes Dlamini Attorneys, will be at Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Zanele Moloi, of Bowman Gilfillan, will be at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; and Amit Parekh, also of Bowman Gilfillan, will be at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.

 

Shown at left: 2010-2011 SAVLP participants Siphile Buthelezi, Rorisang Mongoato and Thabang Masingi.

    

 

The Vance Center coordinated the submission of an amicus brief to the Inter-American Court on Human Rights in the important matter of Karen Atala v. Chile, the first case regarding sexual orientation to be heard by that court. In 2004 the Supreme Court of Chile forced Karen Atala, a judge, to cede custody of her three daughters to her ex-husband on the ground that her sexual orientation made her an unfit parent. The amicus brief opposing the Chilean decision was prepared by Morrison & Foerster LLP and filed on behalf of the the New York City Bar Association and 15 other organizations.