While pro bono work has long been considered beneficial to firms and lawyers alike, many firms have also implemented charity work and volunteering programs, which Clayton Utz community and sustainability senior manager Marcus Ross said can offer a multitude of benefits for both communities and individuals.

The Clayton Utz Community Connect program has worked with over 40 community partners, fundraised $2 million and donated $14.6 million in grants to more than 300 charities.

Forty-two per cent of the firm also volunteered with community partners last year, allowing Clayton Utz staff to interact with people outside of the profession.

“It allows them to connect with and learn from a diverse range of individuals and organisations. For instance, we partner with not-for-profits that supports education for students from disadvantaged areas or backgrounds. Many of these students often have never been in a corporate office or even visited the city. When they come in and interact with us, they start to see lawyers as people just like them. The impact on their lives and what they see as possible in their future can be profound,” Ross said.

“Personally, I find volunteering exciting because it offers the chance to meet new people. Over the years, we’ve partnered with over 40 charities with diverse missions, from disability services to people facing homelessness to women experiencing disadvantage. For me, volunteering in the educational advancement space is great fun. As well as contributing to the lives of young people, I’m always up to date with what the kids are into.”

Within the program, there is also an overlap between pro bono clients and community partners – which Ross said allows lawyers to extend their volunteering through to pro bono legal work, as well as fundraising and grants.

“Volunteering can enrich a lawyer’s legal practice by helping to foster strong relationships. Our partners and lawyers sometimes volunteer alongside corporate clients. This provides an opportunity to meet clients in a different context and learn new things about them, deepening the relationship. The same benefits apply internally at our firm – we have teams, cross-practice colleagues, or mentors and mentees volunteer together too,” he said.

“The personal benefits of volunteering are different for everyone. It can encourage self-reflection and appreciation of one’s own circumstances. For example, when volunteering for a charity supporting education, there can be so much personal growth in mentoring a student. It can allow you to reflect on your own journey, acknowledge the skills you’ve gained along the way, and share these insights to support the growth of others.”

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In terms of how law firm leaders can encourage their staff to participate in extracurriculars like volunteering and charity work, Ross emphasised the importance of a holistic approach.

“Law firm leaders can encourage their teams to participate in volunteering by organising diverse volunteering opportunities for their people, either individually or as teams, and offering paid volunteering leave,” he said.

“Where a firm can, a holistic approach to community partnerships can foster a broader partnership that benefits both the firm and the communities we serve. Some of the ways firms can have a significant impact on the community while enriching their own people’s lives include offering pro bono work, holding fundraisers, giving grants, allowing charities to use your event or meeting room space, and organising volunteering opportunities.”

Lawyers who are looking to start volunteering should prioritise not only the right cause for them but also time to commit to regular volunteering.

“Find a cause you’re passionate about and that you want to dedicate your time to. It’s important to choose volunteering opportunities that align with your interests and availability. Commitment is also key,” Ross said.

“While one-off volunteering is beneficial, regular volunteering is where you can truly build relationships with the people using the services, and experience the depth, value, and growth that come with sustained involvement. It’s the regular volunteers who truly make a lasting impact!”

Lauren Croft

Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.