ISLP works at the intersection of global development and the rule of law. We mobilize pro bono legal support to expand economic opportunities and foster good governance.
What We Do
ISLP has a 25-year track record as an independent, politically neutral 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Our Mission
ISLP is committed to advancing global development and the rule of law. We achieve this by mobilizing top-tier pro bono legal support for low-income governments, civil society, and social enterprises. We work around the world, with most of our work currently in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Our Model
ISLP is recognized as an effective force multiplier achieving outsized impact. We leverage an expansive volunteer network of lawyers, drawing largely from leading law firms and independent subject matter experts.
Our volunteers bring specialized expertise across a range of sectors, with engagements including transactional and negotiation support, training workshops, research and publications, legislative drafting support, and strategic legal advice. The core ISLP team cultivates local networks and trust-based partnerships, and provides hands-on project management, from scoping to completion.
Our Approach
Our work is demand driven and practical. We aim to complement vital local expertise. Engagements are directly responsive to client needs and developments in the field. Each project is carefully vetted and scoped to ensure alignment with our mission and principles.
Our Clients and Partners
ISLP provides legal support to low-income governments, civil society, and social enterprises that otherwise lack access to adequate legal resources. We believe that engaging both private and public sector stakeholders is essential to strengthening cross-sector dialogue and collaboration, and to stimulating and supporting locally-led development and sustainable economic growth that can benefit all. Through strategic partnerships, we also collaborate and share learnings with other organizations to advance systems change.
Our Focus Areas
ISLP provides a range of legal support including direct representation, capacity building, legal research, and legislative and regulatory review and drafting support. Our work centers on the following intersecting areas:
- accountability and transparency
- civil society engagement
- energy and natural resource management
- investment and trade
- media law and freedom of expression
- responsible technology
- social enterprises and innovative finance
- tax
Where We Work
ISLP regularly handles over 100 projects each year throughout the Global South.
Hover over dots on the map to see recent examples of our impact around the world.
News
Volunteer Spotlight: Stephen E. Shay, Ropes & Gray (Retired)
Stephen E. Shay is a retired Ropes & Gray partner. He is an adjunct professor at Boston College Law School and previously was a Professor of Practice and [...]
Fundamentals of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Renegotiation
International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP) inaugurated a new collaboration to support the work of the Coal Asset Transition Accelerator (CATA) with a webinar on fundamentals of power purchase agreement. CATA [...]
International Senior Lawyers Project Announces Laura Pavlovic as Director of Programs
International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP) is excited to welcome Laura Pavlovic as Director of Programs, effective July 23. A distinguished leader in international development, experienced attorney, and longtime [...]
Recent ISLP Publications
Guidance on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) Defense in Southern Africa
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are lawsuits designed to silence critics, often by burdening them with the cost of defending themselves. These lawsuits come in the context of other forms of stifling expression and are too often used to intimidate journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and everyday citizens who speak out on matters of public interest. The guide is designed as a practical resource for navigating the complexities of SLAPPs in the Southern African region…
Toolkit for Mineral Taxation in Mining Projects
The Toolkit for Mineral Taxation in Mining Projects considers recent developments in designing and implementing an effective mining fiscal regime and provides practical and innovative solutions to ensure that the African countries obtain optimal benefits from the mining sector. The toolkit also offers African countries guidance on setting continental standards for maximizing government revenue from mineral resources, including ways of increasing compliance and limiting loopholes enabling illicit financial outflows…