Pro Bono Vs. Stereotypes
Pro bono work, meaning "for the public good," is legal assistance provided free of charge to support causes of significant social, cultural, or economic importance.
It is well known that, for many directors and film companies, associating the mafia with Sicily has long been considered a commercially safe narrative choice. Over time, however, this persistent association has produced devastating effects on Sicilian identity within the collective imagination worldwide.
For years, our firm has been deeply committed to pro bono initiatives aimed at combating all forms of stereotyping, cultural and identity-based racism, misrepresentation, bias, prejudice and defamation affecting Sicily, its global image, and its Community.
This work is not only about safeguarding Sicily’s cultural identity and brand but also about addressing the widespread economic damage caused to Sicilian products, services and businesses by defamatory or misleading representations that weaken international trust and commercial credibility.
Our Commitment
Our pro bono advocacy began in 2019 when we successfully intervened against an inappropriate advertisement by a well-known low-cost airline from a European country. In promoting a new flight route to Sicily, the campaign irresponsibly depicted the Island through defamatory content and improper references to criminality.
With the support of Italian diplomatic representatives abroad, we were able to obtain the removal of the advertisement, setting an important precedent for protecting Sicily’s image on the global stage.
Since then, we have continued to oppose misleading and harmful narratives that distort Sicily’s reputation. Our commitment remains focused on ensuring that the Island’s historical, cultural and social identity is represented with the dignity and respect it deserves.
How to Report a Case
If you come across messages, advertisements or campaigns that misrepresent Sicily or its communities, we encourage you to notify us through our Contact Form. Please provide a detailed description of the issue and include any supporting evidence, such as web links or photographs, to allow proper evaluation.
Our Approach
Our pro bono work is carried out on a fully discretionary basis. We focus on cases presenting serious risks to Sicily’s reputation and collective image, particularly when narratives or campaigns have broad international visibility and produce tangible social or economic consequences. The firm cannot take on individual cases on a pro bono basis.
Likewise, the absence of action by our firm in certain situations should never be interpreted as approval or tolerance of defamatory or misleading content, as resources must necessarily be concentrated on cases presenting higher collective impact.
By taking a stand against defamatory narratives, we aim to protect not only Sicily’s identity but also the livelihoods of its people and the integrity of its global brand.
At the same time, the experience developed through these initiatives increasingly allows us to support, also beyond Sicily, communities, territories and institutions facing persistent negative stereotypes that limit economic development and international credibility. When appropriate, methodologies developed in the Sicilian context can contribute to helping other communities restore fair representation and rebuild their international reputation through responsible narrative and brand management.
Contact us if you believe there is a case that requires our attention. Together, we can help preserve the dignity, credibility and economic value connected to Sicily and to communities facing similar reputational challenges worldwide.