In this issue, we explore the intersection of law, philanthropy and justice. It includes a special retrospective look at 25 years of philanthropy in the law from James Goldston and Martin O’Brien. They reflect on two foundations who have worked at the cutting edge of law and social change – the Open Society Foundations and Atlantic Philanthropies.

But as our guest editors, the Ford Foundation’s Nicolette Naylor and Baring Foundation’s David Sampson note ‘courtroom judgements are only part of the solution’ and philanthropic engagement must extend well beyond courts.

Lorenzo Wakefield discusses the Mott Foundation’s work with community paralegals across Africa and the legal tools needed by people and communities in search of justice.

We also feature discussion of philanthropy’s response to threats to civil society and the rule of law in Europe.

Elsewhere, we talk to Kirsten Hommelhoff, the new CEO of the German Association of Foundation about how to advance best practice while keeping everyone on board. No small challenge for Europe’s largest Foundation sector.