Our approach to corporate social responsibility comes from the top down. We have a long tradition of pro bono and community activity and our commitment to being a responsible, ethical law firm is embedded throughout our organisation.
Pro bono
Clyde & Co is a founding member of the Solicitors’ Pro Bono Group (SPBG), an independent charity that was formed to support, promote and encourage a commitment to pro bono work. Now renamed LawWorks, the current chairman is Clyde & Co partner and management board member, Paul Newdick.We are involved with several free legal advice clinics including Lambeth Law Centre, Brent CAB, The Royal Courts of Justice CAB, Surrey Law Centre, Kingston-upon-Thames CAB and the Mary Ward Centre in Holborn. Volunteers from Clyde & Co launched the first Mediation Advice Clinic with LawWorks which seeks to educate clients as to how the mediation process works and whether mediation is a suitable dispute resolution route for them.
Another example of our pro bono activities is ‘The Legal Literacy Programme’ which provides pupils with a basic grounding in the law and the legal process. It is designed to give young adults a better view of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Support and assistance to the local community is provided by our international office network. Clyde & Co Hong Kong have entered into a sponsorship/pro bono relationship with the Football for Life charity organisation. This organisation supports underprivileged children in Hong Kong. Over the coming months we are looking to coordinate our international efforts between offices.
Clyde & Co lawyers are encouraged to participate in pro-bono and community work which forms an important part of the appraisal process.
In the community
Clyde & Co is not just made up of lawyers and we encourage all our colleagues to undertake work in the community. Our involvement ranges from schemes such as the provision of reading, numeracy and IT skills in local schools in Hackney and Guildford to various fund-raising activities for our supported charities.The firm’s Community Council works to promote and co-ordinate pro bono and community work in the firm. It selects and supports the firm's chosen charities, fostering long-term relationships with chosen organisations. Any member of staff is eligible for membership of the Council.
We currently support:
- The Mental Health Foundation
- Ockenden International
- New Horizon Youth Centre
- Surrey Community Development Trust
- Genesis Community
- Football for life
- Surrey Community Foundation
Environment
As a sub-group of the Community Council, our Environment Committee constantly looks at ways to lessen our impact on the environment. We have recently introduced a new water policy and improved our recycling systems. We also work with suppliers to ensure they share our values and concerns for the environment.
Diversity
At Clyde & Co we view diversity as critical to the international nature of our business and have created a working environment where people from different backgrounds can thrive. We are committed to treating all prospective and existing employees and partners equally and without regard to gender, marital status, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.