Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has become an official sponsor of London's bid to host the 2018 Gay Games.

London has been shortlisted to host the event alongside Paris and Limerick, with a final decision expected to be announced by governing body the Federation of Gay Games in October.

As well as paying an undisclosed sponsorship fee, the firm is also providing London's bidding team with pro-bono legal advice and non-legal advice, drawing upon the experience gained through its role as sole legal services provider to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Freshfields has been keen to increase its pro bono efforts which in 2011 were valued at £8.8m. Last year it launched a new five-year corporate responsibility strategy which, as well as the firm's charitable work, targeted other areas such as reducing carbon emissions.

Part of the firm's plan has been to carry out fewer but more significant pro bono projects rather than multiple small pieces of work.

Freshfields lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network chairman Andrew Austin (pictured) said: "This is a hugely exciting opportunity for London and one the firm is very proud to support. The fact that we have the excellent sporting facilities from last summer's Games, great infrastructure and a sound record on the city's ability to successfully host major sporting events really strengthens our bid – but we're not being complacent."

The Gay Games were first held in San Francisco in 1982 and are the world's largest sports, cultural and human rights event open to all regardless of age, gender, sexuality or ability. Cleveland will be the next city to host the event in August 2014.