Minter Ellison SA/NT prides itself as a socially responsible member of the corporate world, giving back to the local community through financial support, pro bono legal advice, in-kind donations and a hands-on approach to making a difference.

In South Australia, we centre our community investment and corporate sponsorship efforts on three pillars of focus:

• the local arts community
• disadvantaged people, and
• the South Australian business community.

Community initiatives

The staff of Minter Ellison add significant muscle power to our community program by participating in worthy causes. We have established a Workplace Giving program where staff have the opportunity to donate a portion of their salary to a nominated charity. Minter Ellison SA was the first Australian company to have an arts organisation, Tutti Ensemble, included in our Workplace Giving Program. In addition, a number of partners and solicitors are volunteers on various boards and committees including Arts Access SA, Variety – the children's charity, Mary Potter Foundation and Starlight Children's Foundation.

Minter Ellison has a genuine wish to share our goodwill and resources to assist our local community. Our active community program provides both financial and hands on support to causes which are of a personal interest to our staff.

Local arts community

"Minter Ellison values its alignment to the arts as a corporate and community investment." Nigel McBride, Chief Executive Partner SA/NT, Minter Ellison

Minter Ellison's Adelaide office has backed South Australia's reputation as 'The Festival State' and shown its support for a number of local arts initiatives.

The women@minterellison networking group sponsors and hosts the annual Rising Star Awards in support of the Helpmann Academy's emerging female performing artists. Our sponsorship of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival's 'Bring a friend for free on Wednesday' program is a further example of its efforts to make art accessible for all. This initiative was commended in the 'Good Practice in Partnering' category at the 2007 Australian Business Arts Foundation Awards.

In 2008, we were thrilled to be chosen as the official legal provider for the 2008 Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts, signing up to provide pro bono legal advice for the world renowned event.

In South Australia, we have strong partnerships with: 

• Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts
• Adelaide Cabaret Festival 
• Arts Access SA
• Arts Law Australia
• Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF)
• Helpmann Academy Foundation.

Disadvantaged people

"Minter Ellison is offering its lawyers' time at no charge, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that access to justice is being provided to all sectors of the community."  Minister Jay Weatherill, Department of Families and Communities

In 2006, Minter Ellison helped the Welfare Rights Centre to establish the Housing Legal Clinic (HLC) in South Australia, to provide pro bono legal assistance to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Minter Ellison helped to open South Australia's first HLC clinic in June 2006.

Our 43 volunteer lawyers have since provided pro bono legal assistance worth almost $500,000 to more than 200 disadvantaged and marginalised clients.

In 2007, we also worked with the HLC and Homelessness SA to create and distribute 'voting packs' to assist and encourage the homeless of South Australia to vote in the 2007 Federal Election. The campaign was recognised with a Commendation in the Australian Civic Trust Awards.

We provide ongoing support to a number of other community organisations, charities and not-for-profit organisations assisting disadvantaged people including:

• Magdalene Centre
• Salvation Army
• Starlight Children's Foundation
• The Smith Family – Learning for Life Program
• Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide 
• Variety, the Children's Charity.

Corporate initiatives

Along with our commitment to the community we also support a number of corporate organisations who support the business community within South Australia including:

• Australian Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
• Australian Mining and Petroleum Association (AMPLA) 
• Business SA 
• Chartered Secretaries of Australia (CSA) 
• SA Great 
• Techmentor.

Seeking support from Minter Ellison

If your organisation is seeking financial or hands on support from Minter Ellison, please ensure that you have a Minter Ellison employee supporting in your organisation and you are based in South Australia.

If you think your proposal fits this criteria, please complete our sponsorship application and return to the Sponsorships Coordinator.