Why we do it

In 2004, shocked by the devastating Asian tsunami and inspired to help the recovery process, more than one thousand London-based lawyers joined with Oxfam to make a public commitment to use their skills and expertise to reduce worldwide poverty.

These dedicated individuals were known as the '1000 City Lawyers.'

A4ID is the independent successor organisation of this movement.

We now draw on the talent, commitment and enthusiasm of more than 30,000 legal experts from around the world.

Unequal access to legal expertise can act as a barrier to development. But our legal partners provide much needed legal advice to development organisations, civil society groups and governments, improving their impact and building strong rule of law.

Our aim is to champion each one of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, contributing legal support not only to the fight against poverty but also to fighting hunger, disease and gender discrimination, protecting education rights and promoting environmental sustainability.

Read more about the impact of our work