Thomson Reuters’ TrustLaw Recognizes Dechert for Pro Bono Excellence in Asia

Dechert LLP has been recognized at the TrustLaw Awards 2026, receiving the “Powered by Pro Bono Award” for its work helping expand access to philanthropic giving across Asia.

Working through TrustLaw, Dechert provided pro bono legal support to AVPN, a leading social investment network active in more than 40 countries, to help build the legal infrastructure for ImpactCollab, a marketplace platform giving donors and private banks access to verified charitable organizations, due diligence resources and impact monitoring tools across Asia. The firm drafted template service agreements covering fee arrangements, data terms and confidentiality to govern ImpactCollab’s relationships with clients and beneficiaries, developing legal frameworks for donor advised fund structures to make philanthropic giving more accessible and scalable. The work addressed a structural gap that prevents many high-impact civil society organizations across Asia from accessing philanthropic capital due to insufficient legal frameworks.

“We enjoyed working with the AVPN team in building ImpactCollab’s legal infrastructure, reflecting our commitment to pioneering novel impact investing structures across Southeast Asia," said Dechert senior associate Shawn Yeo. “It is fulfilling for us to see how creative legal structuring can unlock philanthropic capital for beneficiaries doing the hardest work on the ground.”

Since its launch in June 2025, more than 800 organizations have been verified on the platform, which has already facilitated a US$200,000 grant to a Hong Kong-based impact organization.

About Dechert

Dechert is the law firm that helps business leaders lead.

For more than 150 years, we have advised clients on critical issues – from high-stakes litigation to first-in-market transaction structures and complex regulatory matters. Our lawyers in commercial centers worldwide are immersed in the key sectors we serve – financial services, private capital, real estate, life sciences and technology.

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