The legal giant commits major chunk of pro bono work to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
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Allens has unveiled new actions and commitments it aims to achieve by 2021 as part of the release of its fifth reconciliation action plan (RAP).
Among the goals is ensuring that at least 15% of new pro bono matters are on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients or public interest organisations working on projects related to reconciliation.
A number of the commitments are around increasing employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals at the firm.
The five pillars of the firm’s RAP are to advocate and lead reconciliation in the legal profession, continue the firm’s pro bono commitment, create employment opportunities in the firm and its communities, invest in commercial relationships, and build cultural capacity in the firm and its communities.
Richard Spurio, Allens managing partner, said that he is proud to launch the firm’s fifth RAP.
“The RAP seeks to identify the areas in which our firm, as a leader in the legal profession, can make the most meaningful contribution towards building reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said. “For us, that contribution comes through in a number of areas such as our pro bono work, our internship program and our collaboration with other community groups to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and build inclusivity and diversity.”
Ian McGill, national RAP partner, said that the firm believes that its practical legal support for constitutional recognition is a powerful way that the firm can contribute towards achieving lasting reconciliation and closing the gap.
