Background

There are almost 400 employees based in its Belfast office, and the law firm prides itself on re-shaping the way a ‘job with a law firm’ is perceived in Northern Ireland. Values are not given to employees, employees embody the firm’s values already which are to always be Brave, Brilliant and Kind.

What Baker McKenzie did

Baker McKenzie sees Corporate Responsibility as everyone’s responsibility, and while it is driven globally by the firm’s leadership, every employee has a part to play. The firm’s leadership sit on, and have responsibility for global committees such as the: Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee; Global Sustainability Committee; Global CSR Committee; and Pro-Bono Committee. The Global Director for CSR and Director for Global Diversity and Inclusion manage CSR and make sure it is integrated into the business approach in every office in almost 50 countries. This is bolstered and ‘brought to life’ by local committees with local management charged with driving forward, and reporting on, local CSR matters.

Globally, and in Belfast, Baker McKenzie’s CSR programme is broad and includes diversity and inclusion, pro-bono, environmental/sustainability, anti-corruption, humanitarian matters, and charity. In Belfast, the programme has significant focus on benefitting the local community through fundraising for a local charity, working with local schools, and work for the Law Centre NI. Baker McKenzie is also a proud advocate for LGBT rights and gender equality.

Corporate Responsibility is embedded in the organisation’s culture, it is included in training processes, and Baker McKenzie’s Code of Business Conduct which all members of staff are expected to comply with, and suppliers are expected to adhere to.

Impacts and Outcomes

• Charity Partnership with Aware Defeat Depression
• Every employee is given one volunteer day and 20 pro-bono hours per year
• Worked with local schools to provide career advice and guidance
• LGBT rights advocate participating in, and contributing to the Pride Parade, and ‘Working with Pride’

For more information, email helena.woodward@bakermckenzie.com