Business Details
Trusted Pro Bono Legal Support for Global Development
ISLP has dedicated itself to advancing global development and the rule of law through strategic pro bono legal initiatives. With a 25-year track record, we mobilize top-tier legal professionals to provide critical support to low-income governments, civil society organizations, and social enterprises across the Global South. Our work focuses on fostering economic opportunities, strengthening governance, and promoting accountability through tailored legal assistance. We collaborate with experts from leading law firms and independent practitioners to deliver transactional support, legislative drafting, training programs, and strategic legal advice. Our demand-driven approach ensures alignment with local needs while maintaining political neutrality and technical excellence. By bridging global legal resources with community priorities, we empower stakeholders to address complex challenges in sectors ranging from natural resource management to media freedom.Our partnerships with international institutions and local actors amplify our impact, driving sustainable systems change across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The organization maintains rigorous ethical standards, transparency in operations, and a commitment to measurable outcomes that benefit marginalized populations. Through knowledge-sharing platforms and capacity-building initiatives, we cultivate long-term solutions that extend beyond individual projects. Our team combines deep legal expertise with on-the-ground experience to deliver client-centric services that uphold justice and inclusive development.
Services
Accountability & Transparency
Civil Society Engagement
Energy & Resource Management
Media Law Advocacy
Investment Frameworks
Tax Policy Support
Social Enterprise Legal Aid
Responsible Technology Initiatives
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in international legal development projects
- Our global volunteer network includes experts from top law firms
- We implement demand-driven legal solutions aligned with local priorities
- Our work strengthens governance and economic frameworks in 54+ countries
- We maintain political neutrality while delivering technically rigorous legal support
Services
Pro Bono Legal Support
ISLP coordinates pro bono legal expertise to support governments and civil society organizations in developing economies. Our volunteers provide transactional guidance, legislative drafting, and dispute resolution services. This work helps build sustainable legal frameworks that promote economic growth and good governance across multiple sectors.
Civil Society Engagement
We facilitate legal support for civil society organizations working on energy, environment, and human rights issues. Our services include drafting community agreements and conducting training workshops on negotiation skills and climate financing mechanisms. This strengthens local capacity to engage in development decisions.
Media Law Advocacy
ISLP defends journalists facing legal persecution through strategic litigation and training programs. Our volunteers have successfully overturned charges against media professionals in multiple jurisdictions while building local legal defense capabilities through workshops and legislative reform initiatives.
Investment Frameworks
We assist governments in creating transparent legal frameworks for foreign investment. Our services include drafting public-private partnership agreements and providing policy advice on regulatory reforms. This helps establish stable environments for sustainable economic development across various industries.
Tax Policy Support
ISLP provides technical legal assistance for improving tax collection systems in developing countries. Our work includes drafting legislation to combat tax evasion and creating frameworks for maximizing revenue from natural resource extraction while ensuring compliance with international standards.
People
Sara Lulo
Executive Director
With 20 years of international legal experience, Sara leads ISLP's strategic direction. She previously worked at global law firms and Yale Law School, focusing on arbitration and women's rights initiatives across four continents.
Bridget Kamanga-Mafusire
Regional Legal Advisor
Based in Zimbabwe, Bridget specializes in community development and media law. She brings expertise from private practice and government roles, holding advanced legal qualifications from Lund University and the University of Fort Hare.
Eniye Ogbebor
Senior Legal Program Officer
Eniye provides legal expertise on natural resources and tax policy. A former Oxford Policy Fellow, she has worked across Africa, Europe, and the UAE, with specialized knowledge in public-private partnerships and international arbitration.
Gordon Myers
Senior Advisor
With 35+ years in corporate law, Gordon leads ISLP's technology initiatives. Formerly with IFC, he developed global cybersecurity frameworks and now focuses on responsible technology governance through pro bono legal programs.
Dru Menaker
Senior Advisor
Dru provides strategic guidance on organizational development and communications. A former COO at PEN America, she has extensive experience strengthening media sectors and human rights organizations across five continents.
Questions
What geographic regions does ISLP operate in?
ISLP works across the Global South with primary focus areas in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Our projects span 54 countries with particular emphasis on regions transitioning to democratic governance.
How does ISLP select its legal volunteers?
We recruit from leading law firms and independent practitioners globally. Volunteers must demonstrate expertise in international transactions and a commitment to pro bono service, with many having decades of specialized experience.
What legal areas does ISLP specialize in?
Our core focus areas include accountability frameworks, media law, investment treaties, tax policy, social enterprise development, and responsible technology governance. We also provide legislative drafting and dispute resolution services.
How does ISLP ensure project effectiveness?
We use a demand-driven model where projects are client-initiated and carefully vetted. Local partnerships guide implementation while our New York-based team provides continuous project management from scoping to completion.
What makes ISLP different from other legal NGOs?
We uniquely combine 25+ years of experience with a global volunteer network of top legal experts. Our politically neutral, 501(c)(3) structure allows direct collaboration with governments and civil society without ideological bias.
Videos
