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Firm heads take on the big issues
Senior executives from six law firms took to the streets to help vendors promote The Big Issue earlier this month.
Felicity Nelson
“It was very humbling to discover how hard it is to sell the magazine to passers-by,” said Alan Maguire (pictured right), partner in charge of Clayton Utz’s Brisbane office.
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Mr Maguire donned the trademark fluoro vest and spent the day selling magazines at Riparian Plaza on Eagle Street with a regular vendor called Phil.
“The vendor who worked with me was a great guy who had fallen on hard times and I was very happy to be of assistance,” Mr Maguire said.
Mr Maguire sold a total of 32 copies on the day. “Fortunately quite a few people who knew me took pity!” he said.
“[The Big Issue] is a really good cause, and helps people in need to earn an income rather than just receiving handouts.
“The more support from business it receives, the greater its profile and potential to make a difference to those it supports,” he said.
The Big Issue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that aims to help homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people earn a living.
Mr Maguire was one of around 50 CEOs, partners, politicians and senior executives who joined in the International Street Paper Vendor Week event to promote The Big Issue and raise money for vendors.
Other law firm participants included managing partner of Colin Biggers & Paisley, Dunstan de Souza; CEO of Maddocks, Michelle Dixon; COO and CFO at Allens, Rod Fielding; partner at Minter Ellison, Jeremy Blackshaw; and partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, Peter Schmidt.
