Our people in the community

We are proud of the firm's social impact. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility dates back more than a decade.

Throughout that period, we have been steadfast in our commitment to directing our resources to the areas of greatest social need. We have also been dedicated to engaging the firm's diverse talent base in delivering our community partnerships.

The past year represents yet another chapter in this long-term commitment.

Our impact is built on long-term community partnerships.

Our commitment in FY17

Our commitment to improving access to justice is delivered in partnership with Australia's leading justice organisations including:

Canberra Community Law;
Justice Connect;
LawRight;
Law Society of Western Australia;
Public Interest Advocacy Centre; and
Australia's community legal centres

In FY17, our work for these organisations, to expand access to justice across Australia, exceeded 14,000 hours of free legal assistance. This resulted in direct legal assistance to marginalised citizens and helped prevent homelessness, resolve civil debts, and bring about law reform to reduce the impact of the law on people living in poverty and experiencing personal hardship.

Our commitment to educational opportunity is delivered in partnership with the Australian Business & Community Network (ABCN), Australia's leader in business-education partnerships. This year, we delivered ABCN's mentoring and literacy programs in 14 schools across Australia, engaging more than 200 of our people, who in total, contributed more than 2,000 volunteer hours to help students in high-needs schools reach their full educational potential.

We also strengthened our long-term partnerships with leading not-for-profit organisations dedicated to improving opportunities for young people including:

Brisbane Youth Service
Camp Quality
KARI Aboriginal Resources
Kids Help Line
Marist180 (formerly known as Marist Youth Care)
Mission Australia
Whitelion
Youth Off The Streets

Our commitment to empowering women is delivered in partnership with organisations committed to ending violence and building opportunity for women. Our leading partners include:

Adara Development
Australia's CEO Challenge
the Alannah and Madeline Foundation
Domestic Violence Action Centre
Global Sisters
Juno Women's Housing
Ovarian Cancer Australia
Safe Haven, Our Women
Women's and Girls' Emergency Centre

Looking to the future we will bring an even greater focus to addressing Australia's most pressing social challenges through the establishment of the MinterEllison Foundation. The Foundation will bring together the firm's diverse talent to maximise the impact of our community-facing work. It will engage our people and our clients in volunteer programs, workplace giving, pro bono legal work, not-for-profit Board service and an expanded range of community partnerships. The Foundation's Board will oversee a comprehensive strategy built around engagement, impact and the inspiration that comes from working together for a common, higher purpose.

We look forward to sharing more news about the launch and the strategic direction of the MinterEllison Foundation in the year ahead.