A&L Goodbody has won the ‘Excellence in Marketplace’ award at the Chambers Ireland CSR awards for its collaborative pro bono project with the Irish Refugee Council Independent Law Centre.
Brought together by PILA in 2013, the partnership provides early legal advice and representation to people claiming refugee status in Ireland. With limited civil legal aid and capacity constraints within the law centre, the firm brings significant additional resources to increase access to legal services. This unique partnership puts the applicant's voice at the centre of the process, and demonstrates a different model of legal service in this this area.
To date 120 A&L Goodbody lawyers have delivered almost 6000 pro bono hours working with 52 clients and successfully reunited 7 families. It has represented several clients who have experienced persecution, including torture and 'corrective rape', on account of their LGBT status. So far in 2019, 16 clients applying for international protection have been assisted through the project.
Speaking about the award, Julian Yarr, Managing Partner said, "I was so proud to be at the Chambers Ireland CSR awards and see our firm recognised as one of the true leaders of Corporate Responsibility in Ireland. Our responsible business initiatives are right at the centre of our culture and who we are. To find ourselves in the company of such large international corporates is quite an achievement. It reflects our goal to be recognised internationally as a leader in CR."
This week, A&L Goodbody was also highly recommended for Pro Bono Practice of the Year and Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year (Pro Bono Partner Eamonn Conlon) at the Chambers Europe Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2019.