Mission possible: Should your law firm choose to accept it

“We live and die in the shadows for those we hold close and for those we never meet.”

That line sparked a thought about law firms and the decision-making process behind supporting charities, particularly when it comes to international causes.

Support for local charities

I’ve worked at the intersection of businesses and charities for the past 25 years and have encountered several reasons why some firms only support domestic charities.

For some, it’s because they want to build goodwill with the people and communities they directly serve or employ based on the belief that their clients and employees would prefer that they give back domestically. This might be because the issues they are addressing are more visible, or they believe their stakeholders would be more emotionally invested in their support of local charities.

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For others, it’s because giving domestically is perceived as being lower risk regarding mismanagement and misuse of funds. There’s comfort in working within a familiar legal and cultural framework.

It’s also possible that some decision-makers believe that the firm would be able to make more of an impact locally.

It’s therefore not surprising that some law firms question why they should partner with charities that support people on the other side of the world – people they’ll never meet and whose lives might seem far removed from their own and the lives of their clients.

But the question, ‘Why should we support strangers so far away?’ has a powerful answer: our shared humanity isn’t confined to borders. Here’s why law firms’ support for international NGOs matters now, even more than ever.

Why support for international NGOs matters

1. Because justice doesn’t stop at borders

Lawyers are uniquely attuned to the idea that rights should be upheld universally. That’s the foundation of international law, human rights frameworks, and the rule of law itself. Support for international NGOs honours that same principle. It affirms that where people are born shouldn’t determine whether someone lives in poverty, conflict, or opportunity. Supporting international NGOs is an act of legal and moral solidarity. It says: we believe in equity, everywhere.

2. Because global inequality is unfair, but also fixable

The world’s most vulnerable people didn’t choose their circumstances. They were born into poverty, conflict zones, or regions suffering from decades of exploitation. The wealth and stability enjoyed by many of us in the world have often come at a cost to others.

It’s the richest 1 per cent who are responsible for twice as much carbon pollution as the poorest half of the global population, yet it’s those living in low-income areas who are already facing the burdens of poverty that will bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change, and have been already.

Those of us who can help, including law firms, have a moral imperative to redress global imbalances and inequalities, especially when there are proven ways to do it. So They Can, for example, has a model that fosters locally led sustainable development, building long-term economic, social, and environmental capital in communities and addressing poverty for the long term.

3. Because today’s challenges are global in nature

The legal sector knows well that no country is an island. International law, environmental regulation, immigration, data privacy – lawyers’ work is increasingly transnational because the problems are.

Climate change, conflict, gender inequality and poverty are global issues that intersect with justice and governance. Investing in international development helps address root causes that ultimately shape migration patterns, geopolitical stability, and our environment – all things that affect us in our home countries.

For example, the link between educating girls in Kenya and addressing the climate emergency is stronger than many people might realise. In a 2017 initiative called Project Drawdown, global experts on climate solutions ranked the top 100 most effective solutions to reverse global warming, and educating girls came in at #6 (higher than rooftop solar panels and electric vehicles).

Empowering women and girls through education has massive, multi-generational ripple effects – for the planet, for peace, and for prosperity. So They Can’s ‘Keeping Girls in School’ project is addressing this to create long-lasting change for future generations.

While governments and non-profits continue to play vital roles, law firms can step into the spotlight as proactive agents of global change. They have the opportunity to invest in a more peaceful, resilient, equitable world for everyone by supporting international aid efforts.

4. Because purpose attracts great people (and clients)

Law is a profession, but it can also be a vocation. Many lawyers are driven by purpose as much as performance, and that includes the next generation of talent.

Younger professionals increasingly want to work at firms that reflect their values. A clear, authentic commitment to global justice can foster a deeper sense of pride and belonging within your team. It tells your people: “We care not just about billable hours, but about building a better world.”

Some International NGOs offer structured, tailor-made programs for employee engagement, which can help law firms demonstrate their commitment to tackling urgent global social issues, access new markets and build their brand globally, and inspire, engage and unite their employees around shared goals.

Clients are also paying attention. Today’s in-house legal departments and procurement teams often prioritise firms with strong ESG credentials. Supporting International NGOs shows you’re not just talking about impact – you’re delivering it.

“Having spent many years in the legal profession, I’ve always felt strongly that our responsibility as professionals doesn’t end with our clients – it extends to our communities, both local and global. Supporting international aid efforts reflects a broader commitment to justice, equity, and shared progress. Encouraging our teams to engage with the world’s biggest social challenges is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting, positive change. A global outlook isn’t just good policy – it’s a moral imperative,” said Amber Matthews, board member of So They Can and former managing partner of DLA Piper Australia

Purpose in practice

We’ve had the privilege of working with global firms and purpose-led businesses like Thomson Reuters, Verlata Consulting, Holman Webb, FB Rice, Aderant, and Williams Lea, among others. What sets them apart isn’t just generosity; it’s alignment. They support So They Can intentionally, matching their values with our transparent, measurable, and mission-driven work.

“At Thomson Reuters, we are committed to creating real social impact for the colleagues, customers, and communities we serve. Last year, we supported over 1,900 non-profits across 26 countries worldwide,” said Catherine Roberts, senior director of AI and legal tech.

“Our Australian team is proud to partner with So They Can, contributing to the ‘1HumanRace’ initiative, championing young girls’ fundamental rights to safety and education in East Africa.”

A call to the legal sector

We know the power of law to change lives. But there’s also power in stepping beyond the familiar and saying: “We will use our resources to fight for those we’ll never meet.”

This is the sector’s mission possible – a chance to turn legal expertise into leadership for global justice.

So the question is: will your firm accept it?

If your legal practice is ready to stand for justice without borders, So They Can is ready to partner with you. Let’s make a difference – for those we hold close and for those we may never meet.

To start the journey, email me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Emily Whitehouse is the partnerships manager at So They Can.

So They Can partners with Lawyers Weekly as the philanthropic partner for its various awards programs and summits.