Submitting Project Proposals
What we offer
The function of OPBP is to prepare or assist in the preparation of:
- research briefs;
- expert opinions;
- amicus curiae briefs;
- policy submissions; and
- reports
Our strength is our diversity - providing comparative law briefs or reports drawing upon the private and public law of a wide variety of domestic jurisdictions as well as international law.
OPBP will not provide legal advice, represent clients or litigate in courts or tribunals. The onus will be on the solicitors, barristers or other project partners in receipt of OPBP's assistance to establish the accuracy and relevance of whatever they receive from OPBP. OPBP cannot engage in projects with solicitors or barristers operating on a contingency fee basis.
Projects that do not fall clearly within these guidelines may be considered. However, please contact us directly to discuss proposals.
Criteria for Accepting Projects and Project Partners
The Executive Committee will make a decision, considering the criteria for accepting projects, about whether to accept or reject involvement in a pro bono project. The criteria for accepting projects include:
- The legal significance or novelty of the suggested research
- Member interest and expertise in the suggested research
- Specificity of the research questions
- Feasibility of completing the work as a discrete task or series of tasks
- Ensuring that the high reputation of the Oxford Law Faculty and the University as a whole is maintained
- The credibility and reputation of the project partner
- The willingness of the project partner to provide direction and feedback
If you have a project that fulfils the above criteria and would like the help of OPBP, please contact opbp@law.ox.ac.uk.
INDEMNITY
Oxford Pro Bono Publico is a programme run by the Law Faculty of the University of Oxford, an exempt charity (and a public authority for the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act). The programme does not itself provide legal advice, represent clients or litigate in courts or tribunals. The University accepts no responsibility or liability for the work which its members carry out in this context. The onus is on the programme’s project partners in receipt of the programme’s assistance or submissions to establish the accuracy and relevance of whatever they receive from the programme; and they will indemnify the University against all losses, costs, claims, demands and liabilities which may arise out of or in consequence of the work done by the University and its members.
