This award highlighted best practice and innovation in community investment, including fundraising and charitable giving, pro bono and non-legal volunteering. The judges looked for innovative and sustainable solutions to an identified need which produced significant impacts for both the community and the organisation in programmes over and above core business activity.
Linklaters' programme to raise the aspirations of young people in the neighbouring borough of Hackney was recognised for its scale and comprehensiveness. The judges were particularly impressed by the strength of the commitment that permeates the firm, the robust approach that has been taken to monitoring and reviewing its impact and the inspiration that it has provided to others.
Highly commended: Huddersfield Law Society Uganda Twinning Committee
Huddersfield Law Society's Twinning Programme with Uganda is exemplary in demonstrating the power of pro bono work to unite and develop the legal community locally and internationally. The longevity of the partnership is testament to its success and the creation of the Legal Resource Centre in Kampala is a highly valuable legacy.
InterLaw is an inter-organisational forum which promotes LGBT diversity and inclusion in the legal sector. In 2009 it launched a pro bono and community service Helping Hand (H2) Initiative which worked with LGBT charities to organise events and fundraisers to encourage legal sector support and awareness of the LGBT community.
Martin Searle Solicitors balances commercial considerations with community engagement work, providing over £50,000 of pro bono advice and training to vulnerable individuals and third sector organisations.
Freshfields have provided time, money, support, facilities, contacts and volunteers which have enabled Shelter to help many homeless and badly housed children and families. Their support continues to help many people and achieve great results via innovative and holistic services to those most in need.
The firm channels an unusual proportion of its meagre profits to the running of a pro bono law shop to serve the local community and bridge the gap left by the ever dwindling number of solicitors who offer legal aid. With dedicated staff to run the service, its contribution is widely recognised.
Pinsent Masons' community investment programme has played a key role in changing the lives of young people in Leeds. Working in partnership with Cockburn College, its employee volunteers have helped transform the College’s fortunes, in turn giving students the skills and belief to achieve their potential.
When key pro bono client South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) faced financial difficulties, Allen & Overy used business-wide resources to help secure its future. Their expertise is helping SWLLC implement new ways of working, creating a blueprint for the sustainability of law centres across the country.