A recent announcment saw numerous general counsel from FTSE 100 companies – including notable names such as GSK, Coca Cola, ITV, Taylor Wimpey, and Goldman Sachs – making a pledge towards pro bono commitment in an effort to increase in-house involvement. They have pledged to hit a 50% target for pro bono work, underlining their commitment to playing a more active role in increasing access to fair justice.
The role of in-house legal professionals in assisting with pro bono work constitutes a significant point in the justice system, ensuring that underrepresented individuals and communities gain access to much-needed legal counsel. The commitment by these major companies therefore recognises and underscores the importance of social responsibility within the legal community, and demonstrates the necessary commitment to leveraging their resources and influence in the pursuit of justice.
This initiative will likely stimulate discussion within the legal community, particularly around responsibilities and opportunities for in-house professionals to involve themselves in pro bono work. It also reinforces the expectation for corporations to contribute to the wider societal issues that increasingly fall under their purview.
While the announcement delineates a clear commitment from these top companies, the specifics of how they intend to meet this target remains undisclosed.
For further details on this announcement, read the full article on Law.com.