DLA Piper launches new global partnership with UNHCR 

DLA Piper enters into a new partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) that will see the two organisations working collaboratively to develop innovative responses to the global refugee crisis, enhance refugee integration and advocate for impactful, systemic change. During the first three years, DLA Piper will provide pro bono support worth over USD3.7million and contribute financially to the agency’s global programmes. 

The partnership has been developed in collaboration with UK for UNHCR, an organisation responsible for developing humanitarian partnerships with British corporations that support global relief efforts for refugees. 

Since 2012, DLA Piper has provided more than 8,500 hours pro bono legal support valued at over USD 3,000,000 to UNHCR. This new phase of the partnership will focus on the co-development of innovative responses to the refugee crisis, including innovative finance models and impact investment, among other key areas. 

Over the past ten years, the firm has worked to address the root causes and consequences of displacement by providing legal recognition for people on the move and supporting inclusion into destination countries. 

Simon Levine, Global Co-CEO, DLA Piper (pictured), said: “Legal protections are especially important when people’s lives are uprooted and they face challenges such as lack of basic shelter, violence, exploitation and restrictions on freedom of movement. As part of this new phase of the partnership, we will be working with UNHCR to support a fairer, more effective system, to develop new approaches and to help foster inclusion as people rebuild their lives.”