In a joint statement, the judging panel outlined its reasons for selecting Mrs Selvam as the IBA Pro Bono Award winner for 2025: ‘Arfat Selvam was selected by the panel for her dedicated service and commitment to pro bono practice as part of her career both within her law firm and the wider profession. In the words of one of her nominators, she “set the tone for service at the highest level” and “has been instrumental in institutionalising pro bono work within the legal profession” in Singapore, through leadership positions within her firm, the Singapore Law Society and Pro Bono SG. Her contributions include championing the expansion and sustainability of pro bono service, fostering a culture where pro bono is seen as a core professional responsibility and encouraging policies that allocate billable hours for pro bono work. The panel highlighted that Mrs Selvam delivered pro bono services for many years, both to individuals in need through legal clinics in relation to family matters and employment rights and to organisations supporting individuals in need, including a mental health charity. She was instrumental in ensuring that credit is given for pro bono hours worked and set an important example within her firm. The panel noted that Mrs Selvam detailed that her commitment to pro bono work was a cornerstone of her legal career, “driven by a deep-seated belief in equitable access to justice.” Her nominators identified that her example has “inspired countless lawyers to embrace pro bono work as a means of building skills, confidence, and character.” The panel is pleased to award this year’s IBA Pro Bono Committee Award, sponsored by LexisNexis, to Arfat Selvam.’