News & Views

In a view from Lexis/Nexis, a recent analysis by Nielsen showed that nearly half of US consumers would change brands to reduce their own environmental impact and people are less likely to do business with companies that are perceived as irresponsible.

Read the Lawyers Weekly article HERE and ignore CSR at your peril!.

The concept of CSR has changed over the past years, however the underlying concept of Shared Value and strategies that embrace social consciousness can drive growth and revenue. Consumers make decisions on where to buy and how to shop, and often these decisions are based on the social perceptions of a company. Take a look at the top five trends of the last five years HERE, an article from Sustainable Brands.

Congratulations to AusLSA member firm Ashurst, for the development of a platform available to all staff who are considering starting a family, preparing for a new addition or returning from parental leave. Ashurst have partnered with 'Circle in', a dedicated working parent support organisation and will be the first firm to take the program platform to a global scale. Read the Lawyers Weekly article HERE.

Both Houses of Parliament passed the Modern Slavery Bill on 29 November 2018, with assent on 10 December 2018. This Act requires entities based, or operating, in Australia, which have an annual consolidated revenue of more than $100 million, to report annually on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, and actions to address those risks. Other entities based, or operating, in Australia may report voluntarily. AusLSA will work towards the integration of these reporting requirements into our SRAT in 2019.

Part of the stigma attached to addressing mental health issues is the perceived inability to speak openly.

AusLSA member firm Baker Mckenzie have a program called 'This is Me', which encourages people from all levels in the firm to speak out about how they are feeling. This can be a daunting experience that takes courage from the affected individual. Baker McKenzie are demonstrating they have the courage to help. Read the Lawyers Weekly story HERE.

Senior partners from Herbert Smith Freehills recently spoke to Lawyers Weekly about the importance of making staff feel wanted and respected in order for them to bring their 'whole self' to the table. Fostering a nurturing environment is paramount to the success of a big law firm and this is key to workplaces that support physical and mental health.

Read the Lawyers Weekly article HERE.

Our member firm, Allens Linklaters recently launched their firth RAP to demonstrate continued commitment to reconciliation and includes a number of new actions to be achieved by 2021. Allens say that "for us, contribution comes through in a number of areas such as our pro bono work, our internship and our collaboration with other community groups". 

See Allens media release HERE.

AusLSA member firm, Dentons, have launched a Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service, the first in Australia. This is a pro bono service that provides trans and gender diverse people and their families with support and free legal advice on a range of issues relating to or arising from their transgender or diverse status.

See the Dentons press release HERE.

Flexible working is one of AusLSA's key reporting elements and we know that flexible working policies at law firms is often a key factor in attraction and retention of staff.

See this great webcast from Lawyer's Weekly where the benefits of flexible working are discussed. AusLSA member firm, Allens, is also represented on the panel. See the video HERE.

Managing partners from DLA Piper and Swaab Attorneys this week spoke about the roles that our firms leaders must play to ensure the health and well-being of our employees.

Both firms have implemented workplace practices that cater for the needs of fee earners and legal staff. In the same way that we look to our firm's leaders for culture and values, wellness and caring for all levels of staff must also come from the top. See the two part conversation from Lawyers Weekly PART1 and PART2.