Responsible Business
As an international firm we are held to high standards in all we do. In order to earn the confidence and trust of our stake holders, we must act responsibly, creating long-term, sustainable value. We use our commitment to the UN Global Compact, and associated global frameworks, to help shape this approach.
The concepts that are integral to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) are embedded in our Responsible Business strategy. For instance, we align our operations to contribute towards a number of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on those areas where we can make the greatest contribution, and we intend to continue to do so through to 2030.
Responsible Business Report 2024
Our progress towards our Responsible Business objectives during the financial year ended 30 April 2024 (FY24) was guided by our focus on understanding the evolving needs of our stakeholders – our people, our clients and our communities – and translating them into actions which deliver positive impact.
Our initiatives
In 2012, the firm created the "Helping 100,000 Initiative" – an annual target to make a material difference in the lives of 100,000 people around the world. We have proudly exceeded this target every year.
This responsibility is shared by all of our attorneys, including our summer law clerks. During the 10-week program, they are actively engaged in our ongoing pro bono and community outreach initiatives, which include:
A decade-long partnership with My Sisters' Place (MSP), a New York-based domestic violence organization, which includes funding of a Legal Fellow and ongoing educational programs for lawyers. During the summer program, our clerks participate in a formal training with MSP and have the opportunity to work on related pro bono cases.
Scholarship support and thought leadership programs at NYU and Columbia Law, focused on furthering diversity within the legal profession. The sponsorship includes a summer lecture given by a professor from Columbia Law School.
Rotating art exhibitions focused on diverse themes, installed on a quarterly basis. During the summer months, the Firm's Annual Arcus Exhibition is featured in celebration of Gay Pride. In addition, and in connection with our Amsterdam, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Sydney offices, a summer cocktail reception is held in both New York and Washington, DC to celebrate the work of the featured LGBT artists.
Diversity and inclusion
For a detailed description of our ongoing diversity events and community outreach initiatives, please see our reports below.
Pro Bono Spotlight: United 26
Our team collaborated with the Centre for Sports and Human Rights to develop The Promise of a Positive Legacy, a report drawing attention to the human rights strategies developed by all 22 bidding cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Download the report
Join our community of bright minds
Can't find the role you are looking for? Sign up to our talent community today
Register
Join our community of bright minds
Can't find the role you are looking for? Sign up to our talent community today
Register
Join our community of bright minds
Can't find the role you are looking for? Sign up to our talent community today
Register
Join our community of bright minds
Can't find the role you are looking for? Sign up to our talent community today
Register