Aon's Pro Bono Committees

In House Pro Bono Stories

We sat down with Rebecca Mills, Head of Legal, UK Commercial Risk at Aon, to talk about their multiple pro bono committees and how they work together to achieve common goals.

Tell us about Aon’s pro bono committees

At Aon, our pro bono committees are the driving force behind our commitment to social impact. We have established committees across our four regions globally, each meeting monthly to identify and deliver the pro bono and Corporate Responsibility (CR) activities that will make the biggest difference in their respective parts of the world. This regional structure means our initiatives are both locally relevant and globally coordinated, allowing us to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing each community.

I co-lead the global pro bono and CSR programme with Peter Banick (Associate General Counsel). Together, we set the strategic vision for Aon’s pro bono work, identifying annual priorities and ensuring alignment with Aon’s core values. Our General Counsel is a steadfast supporter, actively championing pro bono and encouraging us to be bold and ambitious in our goals. This top-down support empowers our teams and ensures pro bono is woven into the fabric of our culture.

What is the summit and how was it organised?

Recognising the incredible work happening across our regions, we launched the Global Pro Bono Summit—a signature event designed to unite, inspire, and amplify our collective impact. The summit brings together committee members from every region, creating a rare and valuable opportunity for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.

Hosted virtually to maximise participation, the summit features a dynamic agenda:

External speakers share fresh perspectives and challenge us to think bigger about our social impact.
Breakout rooms offer space for colleagues to connect, brainstorm, and build cross-regional relationships.
Each committee presents on their activities, celebrating achievements and sharing aspirations for the future.
Our General Counsel is deeply involved, participating in panel discussions and delivering closing remarks that reinforce the importance of our work.

The result? An energising, collaborative environment where best practices are shared, new ideas are sparked, and everyone leaves feeling motivated and valued. The overwhelmingly positive feedback is a testament to the summit’s value in strengthening our global pro bono community.

What was the primary mission?

The summit’s mission is clear and compelling:

To share knowledge and best practices, ensuring our collective wisdom benefits all regions
To foster alignment and accountability, so our efforts are coordinated and impactful
To build relationships and collaboration, recognising that we are stronger together
To celebrate the achievements and dedication of our colleagues
To enhance colleague engagement and amplify our social impact

Ultimately, the summit is about living Aon’s purpose—using our skills and resources to make a meaningful difference in the world, while also building a vibrant, connected internal legal and compliance community.

What were the main themes or topics covered?

This year’s summit was packed with opportunities for learning, inspiration, and practical takeaways:

Networking sessions helped colleagues from different regions build connections and share experiences.
Regional presentations highlighted innovative projects, key accomplishments, and exciting goals for 2025.
We welcomed the law firm Freshfields, who shared insights into their pro bono strategy, sparking valuable discussion.
Breakout groups tackled strategic questions about the future of pro bono at Aon, with a lively all-group debrief to gather ideas.
Mia Motiee from Bloomberg offered a behind-the-scenes look at Bloomberg’s [RM2] global pro bono programme, including challenges, solutions, and a compelling case study on the Green Tech Legal Collaborative.
The Pro Bono Institute provided a global perspective on trends and best practices, keeping us informed and inspired.
The summit closed with a heartfelt executive message from our General Counsel, reinforcing the importance of our work and the alignment with Aon’s broader mission.

Each session was designed not just to inform, but to empower colleagues to take action and innovate in their own regions.

What were the main takeaways?

The summit reinforced the importance of collaboration. We learned that many regions are already running fantastic initiatives—so rather than reinventing the wheel, we can accelerate progress by sharing successes and adapting proven approaches. Our partner law firms also provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, helping us to continually raise the bar.

Perhaps most importantly, the summit serves as a powerful motivator. It’s an opportunity to recognise and thank our colleagues for their passion and hard work, and to inspire everyone to pursue new opportunities for impact. The feedback we gather is invaluable, helping us refine our global pro bono / CR strategy and ensure the programme remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of both our colleagues and the communities we serve.