Fernanda Girardi Tavares and Frederico Hilzendeger, partners at Brazilian Highly Recommended firm Souto Correa Advogados, accepted Latin Lawyer’s Pro Bono Project of the Year Award on behalf of the firm in May.
The firm received the award for its Reconstrói-RS programme, which helped rebuild communities affected by the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul. The firm assisted the Ling Institute in setting up a donation fund and legal framework to restore vital infrastructure, enabling swift and transparent allocation of resources.
At the awards, Tavares explained how the project came from Souto Correa’s desire to protect local communities and contribute to supporting the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the firm was founded and where many of its lawyers originated from.
Hilzendeger discussed how building a strong sense of purpose is the main key behind getting firms involved in pro bono work.
The partner added that giving the same importance to pro bono work as the firm does to billable hour work is fundamental to institutionalising a strong pro bono culture.
Souto Correa received the award at the ceremony in São Paulo, after it was announced as this year’s winner in January.