After several years of collaborative work, RACI and the Thomson Reuters Foundation signed an alliance that will strengthen the synergies created so far and promote the linkage between organizations and services of both networks.
The Thomson Reuters Foundation established the TrustLaw program which provides free legal advice to NGOs and social enterprises through its network of lawyers – who work in legal studies and companies in 175 countries – so that they can resolve consultations and carry out legal investigations that are useful to fulfil the social mission of the organizations.
Who can receive free legal assistance? Non-profit organizations and social enterprises working for social, environmental or humanitarian purposes, legally constituted and registered, that have an impact-generating action plan. The full requirements are in the FAQ section of their website.
How does it work? Through a free membership. To access it is necessary to complete the membership form. Once the application has been approved, the NGO will receive a username and password to be able to upload their consultations/legal orders. Once you have uploaded your order, you will receive a call from a TrustLaw advocate in order to know your case and to manage the necessary legal assistance.
In which topics can it help the organization?
– Daily operation: Beneficiary organizations may request the Thomson Reuters Foundation to resolve legal consultations such as: review/assembly of contracts of all kinds; tax exemptions; agreements with other organizations and donors, legal structures and reporting compliance; among many others. In your Legal check you will find the most common legal questions.
– Investigate specific legal issues: Beneficiary organizations may also request assistance for specialized lawyers to conduct a legal investigation of their interest. For example, they have conducted research on the right to decent housing; social impact bonds; refugees; protection of victims in criminal rights; defamation and freedom of expression; crowdfunding; and the rights of persons with disabilities; among many others.