Allens has renewed its commitment to reconciliation with the release today of its fifth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The new RAP outlines the firm's continued commitment to advocacy for reconciliation, pro bono legal support, creation of employment opportunities, investment in commercial relationships, and improved cultural capacity.
It includes a number of new actions and commitments to be achieved by 2021. Among these, the firm will ensure at least 15 per cent of new pro bono matters are on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients or public interest organisations working on projects related to reconciliation.
The RAP also includes commitments around increasing employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals at Allens.
'I am proud to launch Allens' fifth Reconciliation Action Plan, ' said Richard Spurio, Managing Partner of the firm.
'The RAP seeks to identify the areas in which our firm, as a leader in the legal profession, can make the most meaningful contribution towards building reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
'For us, that contribution comes through in a number of areas such as our pro bono work, our internship program and our collaboration with other community groups to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and build inclusivity and diversity.'
The RAP also emphasises the firm's long-standing support for Constitutional recognition through technical legal support and involvement with the recognition movement.
'We believe that our practical legal support for Constitutional recognition is one powerful way that our firm can contribute towards achieving lasting reconciliation and closing the gap,' said Ian McGill, National RAP Partner.
Notes for editors.
Allens is a commercial law firm working throughout Australia and Asia. Through its integrated alliance with Linklaters it provides clients access to 40 offices in 28 countries around the world.