Pro Bono

Martyn Gowar

Cheng Tan

The London office’s pro bono activities are co-ordinated by a steering committee co-chaired by, Martyn Gowar and Cheng Tan. They are assisted by the committee consisting of volunteering associates. Projects are staffed by partners, associates and trainees.

Typically the majority of lawyers in the office will voluntarily undertake some pro bono legal work during the course of a year. The London office has many ongoing projects, including representing individuals in employment and benefit disputes; advising on trademark and copyright issues, defamation and harassment claims; and providing contract and policy advice to various not-for-profit organizations. In addition to the various ongoing projects the London office participates in various national pro bono events, such as the London Legal Sponsored Walk.

We continue to do work with LawWorks, AISEC International, Lawyers Without Borders and Public Interest Law Institute. The projects range from local employment disputes to participating in reviewing the Cameroon Criminal Code and reporting on Tanzanian child laws and its implementation. We are currently partnering a firm’s client on a project on Inheritance Rights in Kenya by Lawyers Without Borders. This is an example of our cross border, cross discipline capabilities and highlights the Firm’s commitment in its Pro Bono efforts.

Apart from pure legal services, we continue to undertake other projects and participate in mentor related schemes. Pro bono participation is encouraged actively throughout the Firm and in the London office. This encouragement goes beyond lip service: a portion of each lawyer’s pro bono hours are counted as billable hours for compensation purposes.

For further information on the Firm’s pro bono and community service initiatives, please click here.