Our approach

Our firm-wide community and pro bono programme is shaped by the recognition that we have a responsibility to use our personal and professional skills to help people in need, to make a positive difference, and to invest in wider society, in particular in the next generation, as they are our clients, employees, suppliers and influencers of the future.

Our approach to pro bono legal advice

Our commitment to pro bono work reflects our view that everyone should have access to legal advice and that this is fundamental to a thriving society. We believe we have a responsibility to play a role in this and to work on cases where we can correct an apparent manifest injustice and/or assist in establishing legal right.

Our approach to law is that in all circumstances we should provide outstanding professional advice. Every case we take on within the firm, whether it is for a fee-paying client or pro bono, goes through the same procedures and we ensure the same high standards.

Volunteering can be enjoyable and rewarding

We believe our commitment to having a positive impact on important social and legal issues is good business practice. We also recognise that volunteers on our programme find it stimulating and rewarding; develop their personal and professional skills, particularly those engaged in pro bono legal advice; and broaden their perspectives. People also often enjoy the opportunity to make a difference and it can be a good way to meet colleagues. So, we were pleased that the results of the first surveys of our London-based volunteers confirmed this.

The results of our surveys

Approximately 42 per cent of our London-based volunteers participated in our surveys, of whom:

  • 91 per cent agree volunteering gives them a sense of achievement/is personally rewarding;
  • 91 per cent agree it is a good opportunity to work with other people in the firm;
  • 89 per cent agree it helps to develop new skills and competencies of volunteers;
  • 76 per cent agree it gives them a fresh perspective and broadens their horizons;
  • 95 per cent are motivated by the desire to give something back to the community, 94 per cent to make a difference and 79 per cent to do something different;
  • 94 per cent agree the project was worthwhile and addressed a real need;
  • 93 per cent find it enjoyable;
  • 98 per cent agree it is important to contribute to wider society;
  • 86 per cent of our pro bono volunteers feel we have a professional obligation to help those without resources to access legal advice; and
  • 84 per cent feel our programme helps motivate the people who work here.

We are Premier Members of Business in the Community (BITC), a unique movement of over 700 of the UK’s top companies committed to improving their positive impact on society. We are also active in various BITC leadership groups, including Business Action on Homelessness, the National Education Leadership Team and the ENGAGE leadership team, which aims to encourage and promote employee volunteering on an international basis.