The Impact Project
Making a meaningful difference to our communities and environment
As a firm, and individually, we understand the importance of contributing positively to the communities in which we live and conduct our business – so we created the Impact Project.
The Impact Project is an integral part of BN and includes our pro bono and responsible business practices, with a particular focus on: providing free legal services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people, supporting charitable and community causes, advancing equality for First Nations peoples, and driving sustainability and ESG initiatives across the firm.
Our Latest Achievements
Pro Bono
- 41 hours per lawyer in pro bono services
- 7,500 total pro bono hours
- $2,500,000 value provided to pro bono clients
- $45,000 in donations to community legal centres
Sustainability
- Silver Medal awarded by EcoVadis over the last 2 years
- 50%+ reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the last 3 years
- 15%+ renewable energy through GreenPower accredited supplier
Community
- $130,000 in donations to Shoreline
- $110,000+ in donations to charitable and community organisations last year
Reconciliation
- Offered internship opportunities to 3 First Nations students
- Formalised our commitment to reconciliation by launching our RAP
Pro Bono
BN’s dedicated pro bono practice seeks to address systemic legal problems and improve access to justice.
We do this by providing free legal assistance to disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable people, and the charities and not for profit organisations that support them.
As a signatory to the Australian Pro Bono Centre Pro Bono Target, we are committed to providing free legal services equivalent to at least 35 hours per lawyer each year.
- Please note that we are currently not accepting direct requests for pro bono assistance. Please contact your local Community Legal Centre or Legal Aid service here.
Sustainability
BN is committed to improving our environmental performance reducing our footprint.
We do this by embedding climate change considerations into our business planning, and having measurable environmental targets in place.
Our sustainability committee leads the way on identifying initiatives to reach our targets including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and consumables and identifying ways to increase our sustainable procurement.
We work with leading sustainability organisations including Australian Legal Sector Alliance, EcoVadis and CitySwitch to pursue a ‘best in class’ approach to sustainability.
Community
It’s important for us to use our skills, resources and knowledge to support our community and empower our people to make a difference. We proudly support charities and not for profit organisations through donations, fundraising, sponsorships and volunteering.
Our major community partnership is Shoreline, a charitable organisation which empowers First Nations youth through a unique career pathway program encompassing higher education with industry relevant experience. All Shoreline graduates are employed after secondary school, which greatly exceeds the national average for First Nations students. We are committed to providing Shoreline with financial and other assistance totalling $200,000 (estimated 30 student places).
We also support other charitable causes championed by our people. These include Foodbank, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Flood Appeals, Mito Foundation, Harrison’s Little Wings, Tour de Cure, Royal Far West and many others.
Reconciliation
BN recognises the importance of a just and equitable Australia and the significance of reconciliation.
The driving force behind our reconciliation initiatives is a desire to effect positive and meaningful change for Australia’s First Nations peoples. At the core of our focus is cultural empowerment and leadership by First Nations peoples toward reconciliation.
Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) solidifies and formalises the firm’s commitment towards reconciliation and sets a tangible, measurable and actionable path forward.
BN’s First Nations led reconciliation committee implements our RAP and leads our reconciliation initiatives which include supporting events, scholarships, internships, procurement and cultural awareness.