This week is National Pro Bono Week. Across 2020 so far, we have been instrumental in several pro bono matters for clients making positive social impact.
Children of Peace is a UK based conflict resolution charity working to protect Israeli and Palestinian children as part of peacebuilding activities in the MENA.
We have been providing advice concerning a wide range of issues including copyright and employment matters as well as acting on the Advisory Board of the charity. We have been able to assist the charity with expanding its network of contacts around the world and supporting its aims of building peace and social cohesion in MENA.
We've also advised the marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage, with the drafting of precedent sponsorship agreements and legal contracts.
Surfers Against Sewage is a community dedicated to the protection of oceans, waves, beaches and wildlife, tackling plastic pollution and protecting the UK coastlines. We supported the charity in reviewing and drafting its legal materials, specifically around sponsorship agreements, to ensure they are legally protected in their mission.
We also continue to act for the Human Dignity Trust on a pro bono basis. The Human Dignity Trust is the only organisation working globally to support strategic litigation to challenge laws that persecute people based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
We provide technical legal, communications and security assistance to local lawyers mounting legal challenges against the criminalisation of homosexuality in the 40 Commonwealth countries where it remains illegal.
Giving voluntary legal advice to those who need it has never been more important. Our community has played an active role in these vital efforts. Undertaking pro bono work is a great way for our lawyers to take a step back from high-value transactions and consider the local, more personal impact the law can have on people’s lives. Pro bono work also provides our people with development opportunities, as well supporting our responsible business priorities. It's for this reason that pro bono forms such an important part of our strategy.
Paul Callaghan | Head of the Employment, Pensions and Mobility group and pro bono partner
