1. The term ‘pro bono' comes from the Latin phrase pro bono publico meaning ‘for the public good'. In the legal context, this generally means the provision of free legal advice and/or representation to those who cannot afford to pay for it and where public means of funding are not available. Pro bono services play a critical role in ensuring effective access to justice for all.

2. The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (‘the QICDRC') has established the QICDRC Pro Bono Service (‘the Service') which seeks to provide legal advice, assistance and/or representation to individuals with limited financial means on a pro bono basis (i.e. at no cost) to help them understand their rights and obligations in regard to civil and commercial disputes, regulatory appeals or other legal issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the Qatar International Court (the ‘Court') or QFC Regulatory Tribunal (the ‘Tribunal').

3. These Guidelines set out the administrative and operational framework of the Service.