CSR champions make legal award shortlist

Weightmans LLP has been shortlisted for the corporate social responsibility project of the year category at the influential British Legal Awards.

Noted for its innovative CSR policy when it made the shortlist in 2008, Weightmans has continued to dedicate money, resources and time to its five partnership charities and other charitable organisations throughout the recession.

These consistent efforts, coupled with a firmwide culture where CSR is recognised to such an extent that all staff are granted two days’ annual leave to devote to charity work and volunteering, have once again earned Weightmans a place on the shortlist.

Peter Forshaw, head of the CSR Committee said of the nomination:

“This is fantastic news – a real boost for all those who have dedicated their time and effort to CSR events throughout the year.

“2010 has seen the committee rise to the challenge of achieving our CSR aims with creative and genuinely beneficial projects, from an Apprentice style fundraising competition to participating in the ‘right to read’ scheme for children.”

Other charity projects included playing an instrumental part in the London Magistrates Court Mock Trial project where school children immersed themselves in a court room scenario, sponsorship of local outreach projects and even a golf day marathon.

The support that Weightmans provides to local communities around its five offices has not gone unnoticed, as Helen Carlson, fundraising manager from Claire House in Liverpool explains:

“"The staff over at Weightmans truly go above and beyond the call of duty. Weightmans is a constant shoulder of support whether it be attending our events, volunteering and even risking life and limb in taking up one of our challenges overseas."

The winner of the award will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on 2nd December 2010.