Christine Jesseman, Director and Head of the Pro Bono and Human Rights Department at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr has joined the board of New Perimeter, an internationally renowned non-profit entity and the pro bono affiliate of the international law firm DLA Piper. Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is the South African member firm of the DLA Piper Group.

Launched in 2005, New Perimeter remains the only law firm non-profit entity focused on global pro bono work. With Jesseman on the board of New Perimeter, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr will be positioned to deliver a more strategic approach to pro bono initiatives in South Africa.

Through New Perimeter, lawyers from DLA Piper's offices, and now Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as well, provide pro bono legal assistance on issues like health care, hunger, economic development, law reform and human rights to those in need around the world.

“We're looking forward to playing a role in helping South Africa," said Sheldon Krantz, the head of New Perimeter and a partner at DLA Piper, when he was in South Africa recently.
Jesseman’s role at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr focuses on issues with regards to pro bono work broadly and more specifically human rights.

“It is important for South Africa to establish a strong pro bono culture as lawyers can make a valuable contribution to the society within which we function. Law should be a reflection of the aspirational values of a society, and lawyers are often drawn to the positive role which they can play in developing this.” said Jesseman.

"The firm has traditionally acted as pro bono legal counsel for non-governmental organisations, and disadvantaged and vulnerable persons unable to afford legal assistance.. Individually our lawyers have dedicated many hours of service to skills development and assisted in providing access to justice," she said.

"New Perimeter has been successful in addressing some of the most critical issues in parts of the world that urgently need assistance. Working closely with them, we will be able to bring our lawyers' expertise to bear on some of South Africa's most pressing problems. As a firm, our primary focus is on making a contribution to South Africa and its people, but we also have much to contribute to the rest of the world and the experience and motivation to make a real difference."