We know we are different to other law firms. Clients, colleagues and competitors comment on it. And while it is not easily defined, our distinct spirit is reflected in our approach to give back to those in need.
Giving back to our community
Community Spirit is part of Henry Davis York's unique culture. It is our commitment to help those who are disadvantaged through our involvement in pro bono legal work, the services we provide to the community and workplace giving. It is also our pledge to the environment.
All employees at Henry Davis York have the opportunity to contribute to the community through our established programs which range from mentoring students at risk of disengaging from school to helping young students to read.
Student mentoring programs
Henry Davis York has supported the NSW Department of Education and Training and Doonside Technology High School through the Learning Encouraging and Assisting Promising Students (LEAPS) program for eight years. Together with volunteers from BT Financial Group, our staff meet fortnightly with their student mentees who are in Year 8 or 9 to tackle issues such as self esteem, bullying, goal-setting and study techniques.
Reach Out And Read (ROAR!) is a primary school literacy program run in conjunction with law firm Baker & MacKenzie. Now in our fourth year, volunteers meet with a Year 1 "buddy" once a fortnight and focus on the student's listening and reading ability. Improving student confidence is a sure way to increase their enjoyment of learning and of school.
Our volunteers commit to these programs on an annual basis which provides them with the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with students. Many of our volunteers sign-up year after year.
Aside from the direct benefits to students and schools, this community involvement delivers great personal reward and satisfaction to our firm's volunteers, and captures Henry Davis York's Community Spirit.
Community causes
Through our relationships with pro bono and community clients, we have identified a real need to invest in services that prevent the cycle of homelessness in our local community.
To meet this need, Henry Davis York has partnered with Open Family Australia which provides outreach services to homeless and at-risk young people aged from 12-25 years in south-west and central Sydney. Through annual funding, we support a Case Worker who works with kids through street outreach and case work, focusing on young parents and early intervention strategies to divert teens from the criminal justice system.
Workplace giving
Staff at Henry Davis York are encouraged to make regular donations to charitable causes through workplace giving through financial contributions from their pre-tax salaries.
The firm is particularly passionate about charities that work for the prevention, treatment and cure of cancers and raise awareness and funds for the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses.
Henry Davis York also assists those facing natural disasters or catastrophic events with staff personally contributing an average of $20,000 each year to these causes.
For further information on Henry Davis York's Community Spirit program, please contact Kelvin O'Connor or Haley McEwen.