To celebrate National Pro Bono Day 2018, Lander & Rogers hosted its debut Pro Bono Expo in its Melbourne and Sydney offices to raise awareness internally of the firms' pro bono partnerships, community support initiatives, and Reconciliation Action Plan successes achieved to date.
The expo showcased our terrific people who dedicate their skills, time, energy, and passion to enable access to justice or enhance social inclusion for vulnerable Australians.
At Lander & Rogers, we believe that with our privileged professional standing comes a responsibility to our community, and we have a strong desire to contribute in a meaningful way to make a difference. The celebration of our contributions and community relationships was an important way to demonstrate how we make an impact and empower our clients and community through our work.
The expo featured a series of five-minute Ted Talk-style presentations by volunteers from within the firm that have provided pro bono legal assistance or have supported one of Lander & Rogers' various community partnerships. These thought-provoking stories and experiences provided insight into how to get involved in pro bono and community support initiatives, described the significant impact of the work that has been completed by people at Lander & Rogers, and remembered the inspiring clients who will never be forgotten. As well as the substantial benefits that pro bono support delivers for the clients in need, the attendees also heard about the positive impact that being involved in these initiatives has had on the volunteers themselves, with many sharing how rewarding their experiences have been for them personally and professionally.
The passion displayed by the volunteers is a testament to the firm's strong desire to contribute to the wider Australian community in a meaningful way.
In Queensland, members of our Brisbane office walked alongside hundreds of legal professionals at the annual Queensland Legal Walk. The aim of the walk is to raise money for community law organisation, LawRight QLD. Throughout the year, our Brisbane team assists LawRight QLD with its self-representation service run through the QLD Civil & Administrative Tribunal.
About National Pro Bono Day
National Pro Bono Day is held on the Tuesday of National Law Week in Australia. National Law Week is an annual event held in May across Australia. Law Week’s goal is to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society. The theme of Law Week for 2018 is Law and Justice in Your Community.
Joanna Renkin speaks to the Australian Pro Bono Centre
Earlier this year, Joanna Renkin, Pro Bono Partner at Lander & Rogers, spoke with the Australia Pro Bono Centre and provided insight into how pro bono and community engagement is an integral part of the firm, and suggested ways in which law firms can contribute to growing the capacity of the Australian legal profession to provide pro bono legal services. You can watch the video here.
