On November 2nd, 2023, the Pro Bono Committee of the International Bar Association (“IBA”) recognized María Fernanda Mierez, partner at Beccar Varela, with the IBA Pro Bono Lawyer 2023 award at the Section on Public and Professional Interest Breakfast, which took place during the association’s most important event, the IBA Annual Conference, this time celebrated in Paris from October 29th to November 3rd, 2023.
With the IBA Pro Bono Lawyer award, each year the IBA Pro Bono Committee honors a lawyer who has shown an outstanding commitment to pro bono work as part of their legal career. The mission of this Committee is to support the IBA in promoting pro bono work globally through the implementation of the IBA Pro Bono Declaration, the exchange of information, and the promotion of best practices. The association considers free legal advice as a cornerstone of the legal profession, a vehicle to support the right to access justice in environments where it is not secured.
Throughout her career, Fernanda has stood out for providing pro bono work to countless NGOs, becoming personally involved in projects related to financing (microcredit), prevention of domestic violence, advocacy & prevention of violence against children and adolescents, and diversity & inclusion, among others. In recognition of her tireless commitment, she was appointed president of the Pro Bono Committee of the Colegio de Abogados de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, a position she has held for four years. Among other roles, she is also an Officer of the IBA’s Business & Human Rights Law Committee.
Upon receiving the award, with great emotion, Fernanda stated, “I am very grateful for this recognition. Pro bono work connects us with our career purpose; it is the responsibility of every lawyer to facilitate people’s access to their individual rights, especially the most vulnerable. This award also represents all the pro bono work that the firm has been carrying out for many years, reflecting the values we hold.” Horacio E. Beccar Varela, the firm’s managing partner, thanked the Pro Bono Committee for recognizing Fernanda’s constant efforts: “Her commitment not only influences our organization but also our younger lawyers, who inspired by her work decided to join our Pro Bono team to help to those who most need free legal advice.” Partner Roberto A. Crouzel added: “It is a privilege to work with Fernanda on our pro bono values. Thanks to her perseverance we have achieved many goals, and without a doubt, we will continue collaborating on many more projects.”
María Fernanda Mierez co-heads Beccar Varela’s Company Law and ESG Departments and actively participates as a member of the Pro Bono and Diversity and inclusion Committees.
