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Pro bono services are part of our culture, says Gilbert + Tobin
Gilbert + Tobin has celebrated years of pro bono service, noting the value-add it’s provided to the firm and its employees – both professionally and personally.
Simon Levett
On 7 June, the national law firm marked the 25 (+1) -year anniversary of it establishing its pro bono practice in 1996. Official celebrations had to be delayed a year later due to COVID-19.
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The firm, which now employs a team of six full-time pro bono lawyers, holds a particular focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, people with disabilities, refugees and on human rights issues and many other issues. It has also been extending its practice into regional and remote areas.
“Our legal services is grounded in addressing the issues that adversely impact on the day-to-day lives of our pro bono clients. We act to address the immediate injustices and on structural change to replace inequality with opportunity,” according to a statement from Slater + Gordon.
“We provide practice and strategic advice to not-for-profit organisations that support people who have been marginalised or are facing disadvantage to create strong legal foundations for their work and to build their capacity.”
Commenting further, Gilbert + Tobin managing partner Danny Gilbert said: “Since the early days when Tony Tobin and I started the practice, we have always wanted to make a contribution to people who either can’t financially access the legal system or are locked out of it.
“We recognised the privileged position we were in and wanted to give back to the community legal sector. Pro bono has been deeply embedded in our culture since that first day 34 years ago and it was a very proud moment in 1996, when this evolved into the establishment of a dedicated pro bono practice.”
Michelle Hannon, partner at Gilbert + Tobin, added: “I am immensely proud to play a part in a firm that is well-known and respected for its pro bono contribution.
“We’ve worked hard to demonstrate that a corporate law firm such as ours can support individuals in matters that transform their day-to-day lives.
“Giving back is part of our DNA, witnessed by the generous contribution in time and expertise volunteered by our lawyers.”
Ms Hannon concluded: “I continue to be inspired by the tenacity of the team and the support and confidence we get from the partnership and I think it’s fitting that we mark this milestone by welcoming our clients and supporters to join in the celebrations.”
