One of the core values we embrace at Coleman Greig is “community” and our ultimate responsibility to give back to the community in which we operate. It’s a value that is very important to all of us and the notion of corporate responsibility is firmly entrenched within our culture.
In November 2020, Coleman Greig launched its first Aboriginal Action Plan. This Plan formally documents our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It forms a core component of our business plan and corporate responsibility efforts. A working group implements the Plan. Achievements include becoming a NSWICC Impact Partner and commencing pro bono services for Aboriginal owned businesses.
Launched in 2013, the annual Coleman Greig Challenge aims to raise funds for charities by tapping into the growing awareness of the benefits of cycling, walking and running. To date, it has raised over $1 million for children with special needs and newborn care.
Coleman Greig has a longstanding relationship with St Gabriel’s School. St Gabriel’s is a K-12 co-educational school catering for students with an intellectual disability in the mild to moderate range, sensory impairment and autism. The school is a registered charity and by 2024, will progress fully to a K-12. Over the last 25 years, the firm has supported St Gabriel in its provision of caring and dynamic education programs so that their students can communicate and fully engage in life.
As the principal fundraiser for Westmead Hospital, Westmead Hospital Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, corporate partners, trusts and foundations, as well as the general community to allocate funds towards vital pieces of medical equipment, grants and scholarships, innovative research and health services. Coleman Greig has supported the Foundation since 2018 through the Coleman Greig Challenge.
Coleman Greig actively supports staff to pursue Board and Committee roles of interest. 17 of our team currently hold such roles. Organisations include Western Sydney University, Thorndale Foundation and Aus-NZ Croation Women in Leadership.
We have partnered with The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) since 2020 to provide ongoing pro-bono legal services with respect to their Gifts in Wills program. We also assist those wishing to make bequests to the Institute. WIMR is passionate about delivering discoveries that will result in better diagnosis, early prevention and treatments for serious health issues.
Coleman Greig became an Impact Partner of the New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) in early 2021. As a Partner we aim to maximise economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities through economic participation. Our partnership includes providing pro bono legal services and professional development for Aboriginal-owned businesses across NSW.
Our Family Law team provides pro bono services to disadvantaged individuals, mainly women, who are navigating complex family law issues and are often the victims of domestic violence. The team also assists the Women’s Legal Service NSW, a community legal centre providing women across NSW with a range of free legal services.
We provide every one of our staff members with paid volunteer leave each year, so that they can contribute to a cause they are passionate about. Staff are also invited to participate in our Workplace Giving program. The program enables them to contribute an amount of their choosing of their pre-tax salary to charity.
CG Workshops and Training – Coleman Greig provides a comprehensive range of educational and professional development services for clients and the local business community. We run workshops, seminars, briefings, webinars and forums designed to inform and educate businesses and individuals with regard to their legal obligations and responsibilities. See our Corporate Training Services.
Women in Business Forum – Coleman Greig Lawyers established the Women in Business Forum in 2007 to connect professional women and senior female executives with each other over issues of importance. We are now the largest networking forum for women in business outside of the Sydney CBD. As of 2021, we have raised over $300,300 for various charities. We co-host the annual Women of the West Awards with Western Sydney University. These highlight the achievements and contributions of women in Western Sydney.
NSWICC Impact Partner – Through our partnership with the New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce we deliver educational and pro bono services to enable Aboriginal owned businesses across NSW to grow and thrive.
Penrith Proud – This campaign encourages businesses to support local business. Coleman Greig has been a signatory to Penrith Proud since 2020.
We established our first office in Parramatta in 1928. We employ locals, procure locally, and actively participate in our local communities. As the largest single state law firm, we are making a significant contribution to training and skills development. We actively recruit and nurture local talent. We also provide extensive learning and development opportunities, and extend financial support and flexible work arrangements to staff who are pursuing accreditation or undertaking post graduate studies.
Nurturing talent – Coleman Greig offers a variety of work experience opportunities, as well as a Legal Studies Cadetship Program open to eligible full-time, first year law students. The program has expanded across Greater Sydney in line with the firm’s expanding geographic footprint and dedication to the communities in which it is based. The firm offers career development opportunities, and structured learning and development for all staff. This includes avenues for financial assistance for educational resources.
Supporting staff – Staff enjoy a range of benefits such as the ability to take ‘Volunteer Leave’. Volunteer Leave enables them to take one day of paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause of their choosing. Similarly, staff can volunteer their time through charitable ventures such as our Women in Business Forums and the Coleman Greig Challenge.
Providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – Through our Aboriginal Action Plan, we have committed to creating opportunities for people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders across all areas of the firm. In 2021, we worked with Western Sydney University to create an additional Legal Cadetship opportunity for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identifying student. We believe that it is crucial to lead and create equal employment opportunities that will foster and nurture a more diverse culture and ensure we continue to understand and serve our local communities.
Modern Slavery – Whilst Coleman Greig Lawyers does not have reporting obligations under Australia’s National Modern Slavery Reporting, the firm has taken a leadership position in managing its corporate social responsibility. This includes Human Rights, Labour Rights and Anti-Corruption compliance, and providing a non-reporting Modern Slavery statement as part of our commitment and intent to eradicating modern slavery, bribery and corruption.
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