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Clayton Utz unveils new $100k access to justice grant
National law firm Clayton Utz has introduced a new grant to support innovative programs and projects that enhance access to justice.
Grace Robbie
The Clayton Utz Foundation has announced the establishment of the Clayton Utz Access to Justice Award, with a total funding of $100,000, and it is currently inviting expressions of interest.
This newly created grant aims to encourage the development and support of impactful programs or initiatives that enhance access to justice for disadvantaged communities nationwide.
In addition to the financial support, Clayton Utz will provide pro bono legal support to the winning project or program.
Marcus Davenport, a partner at Clayton Utz and chair of the Clayton Utz Foundation, emphasised the importance of ensuring that justice is accessible to all individuals, noting that the award is structured to advance this objective.
“All Australians have the right to seek justice,” Davenport said.
“But for many, legal help is limited by financial, social or health factors. We hope this award will help shift the dial on access to justice for those who need it most.”
Since its inception in 2003, the Clayton Utz Foundation has granted more than $15.2 million to over 300 charities.
Notably, access to justice initiatives has constituted a significant area of focus for the foundation, which has allocated over $2 million to related projects since 2006.
Davenport has encouraged organisations within the legal assistance sector to submit applications for the award, outlining how Clayton Utz aims for this award to facilitate the scaling of a significant and impactful project.
“We know and have worked with some incredible access to justice organisations around the country. I encourage organisations from the legal assistance sector to submit an online expression of interest. We want this $100,000 grant plus pro bono support to strengthen the development or expansion of a much-needed access to justice project,” Davenport said.
“The Clayton Utz Foundation supports organisations that have a strong and meaningful connection to the firm or its values through our pro bono practice, our community involvement program Community Connect, and the volunteering and fundraising commitments of our partners and employees.”
Applications for the Clayton Utz Access to Justice Award are now open, with expressions of interest being accepted until 14 February 2025.
A select group of applicants will be invited to submit full applications, and the award winner will be announced in June 2025.
