Corporate Social Responsibility at Allens

We have a pretty strong pro bono practice across the firm and Allens is committed to its Reconciliation Action Plan. In terms of broader CSR projects, I can't really comment - there's always going to be a trade off with working for a top tier firm given the clients. I know my partner is open to any moral objections with working on a particular matter, but I'm not sure if this replicated across the firm.

I worked on the reconciliation committee quiz night where we raised money for the Aboriginal Legal Service. As part of the committee I've also worked around initiatives for NAIDOC Week and other calendar events relevant to the committee.

We provide lawyers to RACS, PIAC, other pro bono matters. I've done pro bono work for a number of clients and have taken part in RACS placements, HPLS clinics, strategic litigation for a community in the NT

No comment.

Pretty big focus on this.

On the pro bono front, each pro bono hour counts as a billable hour (with no limit). I've done days at RACS and HPLS, as have basically all the other grads. We've got committees focused on social issues - eg the sustainability committee, the reconciliation committee (which has been very active in relation to the Voice to Parliament). I think we were also the first firm to become carbon-neutral.

Net zero, Yes vote etc.

I understand that there are specific firm programs and initiatives directed to this.

I think the firm does a lot in the enviro space (eg being carbon neutral, significant hours spent on pro bono work), but it's clearly difficult for the firm to go 'all out' with CSR given this would mean dropping many of our clients due to their business interests.

Allens has secondments to Indigenous communities which are available for all staff. Allens is committed to indigenous affairs and has provided a great deal of pro bono work for matters including indigenous recognition in the constitution, the Uluru statement from the heart etc. Allens is also carbon neutral and the sustainability committee is responsible for introducing firmwide activities or policies to reduce wastage etc. (eg. recycling coffee cups).

The firm has a sustainability committee, which helps Allens achieve its sustainability commitments and objectives.

I have done work with the homeless persons legal service as pro bono and there are also reconciliation and sustainability initiatives amongst many others.

Reconciliation committee, pro bono work, supporting the arts, minimising environmental impact, first carbon neutral firm

The firm has a dedicated pro bono program and environmental consciousness program. Through the pro bono program I have done several sessions at the Homeless Persons Legal Services and follow up work for new clients through this service.