Reflecting on two years of progress

Two years ago, Allens launched its First Nations Engagement Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at supporting reconciliation through pathways to justice, economic engagement and understanding. Building on over 15 years of focused effort, the plan reflects our commitment to fostering positive change alongside our people and community partners. As we mark this two-year milestone, we reflect on our achievements and acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead.

Since the inception of the plan in 2023, Allens has made notable progress across all three pathways. Our dedication to providing pro bono support for First Nations clients is evident in the 8000 hours of pro bono work delivered in FY24. Additionally, we celebrated reaching the milestone of 50 Jawun secondees while expanding opportunities for lawyers to participate in these impactful secondments.

In terms of economic engagement, we re-launched the First Nations Corporate Services Internship and saw significant participation within our legal internship program. We have also directed over $400,000 towards more than 10 First Nations-owned businesses as part of our supplier diversity efforts.

Our efforts to foster understanding included hosting cultural capacity training sessions and supporting events related to the Voice to Parliament referendum. Furthermore, Acknowledgement of Country practices have become an integral part of firm events.

However, there are areas where progress has been slower or more challenging. Direct engagement with Traditional Owner groups remains an ongoing effort despite substantial support for various community projects like those with the First Peoples’ Assembly and Treaty Authority in Victoria. Similarly, engaging a consistent number of law students for our annual legal internship program has proven difficult due to limited student numbers and interest levels in corporate law careers.

Delivering comprehensive cultural capacity training across all staff levels has encountered delays as well. Although initial tailored sessions for senior leaders were completed recently, broader implementation continues to be a work in progress.

Despite these challenges, Allens remains committed to refining its strategies based on feedback from both internal stakeholders and external partners. Over the next two years, plans include reviewing our Indigenous employment strategy with guidance from an Indigenous consultant and developing new training modules for incoming staff members.

We also aim to pilot programs tailored specifically for engaging First Nations students academically and culturally—an effort driven by collaboration with universities and community networks.

The journey towards reconciliation is continuous; it requires reflection, adaptation and unwavering dedication—a path Allens is resolutely committed to following.

Our gratitude extends deeply towards everyone involved—our Community Engagement team members; those within our pro bono practice group; Talent Acquisition team and Reconciliation Committees nationwide—for their steadfast dedication thus far. Together we look forward eagerly toward building upon this solid foundation as we strive collectively toward creating a more inclusive future at Allens.