December 07, 2011
ADIE International, a French microfinance organization, scooped Thomson Reuters Foundation’s 2011 TrustLaw Impact Award for its work promoting micro-entrepreneurship in Europe. The awards recognize the combined work of NGOs and law firms on pro bono projects in three categories: Impact, Innovation and Collaboration. A cross-border Latham team from the firm’s Brussels, London, Madrid and Milan offices assisted ADIE International in analyzing the key legal and regulatory provisions applicable to micro-enterprises, self-employment, microcredit and microfinance institutions in the 27 EU Member States. Latham & Watkins, together with law firm Orrick, coordinated the work of a diverse group of lawyers and microfinance practitioners across the EU and oversaw the preparation of a comprehensive report on current legislation on microfinance.
Latham & Watkins, together with Morrison and Foerster, DLA Piper and Reed Smith, also advised runner-up MADRE, an international women’s human rights organization. A Latham team from the firm’s Brussels and Paris office worked on the comparative law research project analyzing the various aspects of the laws around rape and sexual violence in different jurisdictions and is currently working on recommendations which will be considered in the drafting of laws regarding rape and sexual violence and rape in Haiti.
Charlie Crompton, Global Chair of the Pro Bono Committee at Latham & Watkins, said: “We are immensely proud to be part of the teams on these projects which have far-reaching and important consequences. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication and initiative of the organizations and their partner law firms.”