Corporate Social Responsibility at Corrs Chambers Westgarth

I think Corrs absolutely excels in this area in two ways: 1) the legal work we do and 2) the initiatives Corrs runs. 1) Corrs' approach to the law is incredibly well-rounded and holistic. Our focus on ESG/business and human rights is, in my opinion, unmatched by any other Australian firm. We have developed strong skills in these areas and have a dedicated team of highly experienced lawyers and advisers who work through a variety of different matters. We advise our clients on how to improve their ESG processes and systems and I think the implication of this is that we are working to encourage CSR outside of the firm, through improving our clients' practices. This is incredibly rewarding. 2) The initiatives we run through Corrs' Melbourne Community Committee are varied and occur regularly. Through initiatives such as September, Easter fundraisers, Christmas appeals, netball games, and November (to name just a few), Corrs supports many organisations making positive contributions to our community.

As a junior, I have worked on many Justice Connect matters with the aim of helping vulnerable clients avoid homelessness. I find these matters really rewarding, and at times challenging. Juniors generally have day to day carriage of these matters (with oversight from seniors where required), so they are a great opportunity to develop matter management and client communication skills. Corrs also provides opportunities to volunteer for Refugee Legal. In addition, most partners have social or charitable enterprise clients that they provide pro bono assistance to - these matters are interesting because they often don't fall within a particular partner's expertise, so you get to work on something different to the usual (for example, general contract law).

We have recently established a ESG practice group to provide ESG advice to clients and internally.

The firm is heavily involved in pro bono work, and is especially proactive in extending pro bono opportunities to staff. I have worked on a number of pro bono matters for self-represented litigants and refugees. These matters are available to staff at all levels of the firm - from seasonal work experience through to partnership. The firm has a well-established environmental, social and governance practice group that assists other companies with their own CSR initiatives and obligations. There are also policies within the firm setting certain limits as to the matters on which the firm will act - reflecting the firm's awareness of its own CSR commitments.

The firm does a great deal of philanthropic work for charities, NGOs and other organisations that support some great causes for the community. I have worked on preparing a lot of fundraising events and done a lot of pro bono work in this space.

The firm's establishment of an ESG working group is world-leading, and our pro bono work (including recently for Harold Thomas in respect of copyright in the Aboriginal flag) is a point of pride. Corrs also encourages all juniors to be involved in legal work for community law clinics.

The firm created an ESG practice group this year, which has allowed the firm to advice its clients on ESG issues. The firm also has a range of pro bono matters, including an annual pro bono project for clerks and regular engagement with the Homeless Persons Legal Service, of which I have engaged in both.

- ESG and responsible practice groups; - Commitment to reducing carbon footprint; - Large pro bono practice; - However, represents many clients who are mass polluters, tax avoiders.

Substantial pro bono work for the Homeless Persons' Legal Service, each partner can take on additional pro bono projects. Also have an ESG group dedicated to these issues.