Sparke Helmore showcases pro bono activities in new video
12-March-2020
Sparke Helmore showcases pro bono activities in new video
We’re pleased to release a video highlighting some of the recent key activities and initiatives from our Pro Bono Practice. Featuring representatives from the charitable and community organisations that we work with, including Marrickville Legal Centre and Mates Against Melanoma, the video outlines the firm’s commitment to improving access to justice and strengthening the communities in which we operate.
“I would like to thank our partner community organisations for the time, support and opportunities they have given us. The firm is also incredibly grateful for the significant contribution of its partners and staff towards the Pro Bono Practice,” said Sparke Helmore's National Managing Partner, Phillip Salem.
We’re happy to report that we once again exceeded the National Aspirational Pro Bono Target for the 2018/2019 financial year, with 435 pro bono matters taken on over the year. A total of 14,879 hours of pro bono legal work was undertaken by our lawyers, which is equivalent to an average of 35.2 hours per full-time equivalent lawyer. We are on track to exceed the Target again this financial year.
About our Pro Bono Practice
Our pro bono legal assistance includes helping charitable organisations develop into viable and effective organisations, equipped with and committed to good governance, efficient administration and regulatory compliance, allowing them to focus on their benevolent missions.
For more than 27 years we have been providing support to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, which saves lives across the Hunter and Northern NSW. We’re proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, and to also partner with the Cancer Council Legal Referral Service to assist people suffering from cancer with legal matters arising from their illness. Many of our lawyers and non-lawyers also volunteer their time, or have been seconded, to assist community organisations, including community legal centres.
The firm is also committed to assisting Aboriginal communities, and we work with local Aboriginal organisations in regional, rural or remote areas of Australia to provide wills clinics to help reduce the large number of burial disputes that go to court among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
