For over 10 years, Hedman Law Firm has been a dedicated pro bono partner to the Heateo Foundation and its network of impactful initiatives, ranging from the Uuskasutuskeskus NGO to our most recent collaboration with the Centre of Excellency of the Child Welfare Foundation (SA Lapse Heaolu Arengukeskus).
Since the foundation of the Centre of Excellency of the Child Welfare in 2016, Hedman has supported the organisation with pro bono legal services.
To date, the firm has provided around 141 hours of legal assistance, with an estimated value of €30,000. The support has spanned a wide range of topics – from data protection and processing to trademark registration and defending the Perepesa brand before the Estonian Patent Office.
Toomas Seppel, partner at Hedman, discusses how the partnership began and what motivates the firm to continue this pro bono collaboration.
How did the partnership between LaHe and Hedman begin?
The story started in 2014, when the Centre of Excellency of the Child Welfare was still known as the Saagu Valgus Foundation. Maarja Oviir-Neivelt and Siiri Sisask were exploring ways to expand the charitable centre model of Saagu Valgus across other regions in Estonia.
They reached out to Hedman and invited Toomas Seppel to join as their legal advisor.
Eventually, the team chose to move away from the original Saagu Valgus model and began developing Perepesa – a new, prevention-focused initiative.
To reflect this change in direction, a new legal entity was created under the name the Centre of Excellency of the Child Welfare (initially still named Saagu Valgus but soon changed to avoid confusion between the two concepts).
Hedman continued advising the organisation throughout this transition and beyond.
Why is supporting LaHe important to Hedman?
At Hedman, legal advice is more than just a service – it’s a way to make a real, positive impact on society. We believe in using our skills where they are most needed, and the wellbeing of children and families is a cornerstone of any healthy society. For us, pro bono work is not just charity – it’s an investment in a better future.
We also believe that law firms and legal professionals have a broader social responsibility.
How do you foster pro bono involvement within the Hedman team?
Pro bono work is something we actively value and encourage. We talk about it regularly in internal discussions and during our hiring process – it’s part of our firm’s DNA. We believe that strong legal professionals should contribute to society beyond just business goals.
Our work culture supports the idea that pro bono isn’t just an extra obligation. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and see first-hand how legal knowledge can genuinely change lives.
At the end of the day, it’s not about convincing people to participate – it’s about giving them the chance to do something greater than their daily work.
When people realise their skills and expertise can make a real difference, the motivation to contribute comes naturally and from the heart.
Thank you to the Centre of Excellency of the Child Welfare for your continued trust!
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