Community and corporate social responsibility
All members of the firm share a deep commitment to charitable and community causes - with many staff making great personal contributions both in their own time and through work activities. The partners encourage and support such endeavours enthusiastically and constantly explores new ways that its intellectual, financial and human resources can be put to good use in the service of others.
Beneath with have described just some of the things we do in this area:
Annual charity quiz
Each year our family partner, Deborah Jeff, devotes a huge amount of her own and her team’s time to arranging an enjoyable social evening where over 20 local businesses get together to compete in the quiz and raise money for a charity – which we change each year.
Fund raising holidays
A number of the partners spend some of their annual leave on fund raising activities. For example, Marvin Simons, head of dispute resolution, raised funds in summer 2007 by bicycling across Vietnam and Cambodia.
Handel House Museum
This Georgian Brook Street former residence was the home of the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759 where he composed famous works such as Messiah and Music for the Royal Fireworks. Whilst it is a client of the firm, our partner – David Marriott – has volunteered much time over the years and ensures that a number of the firm’s client hospitality events are hosted there.
Music charities
In an ongoing tribute to the late David Kent, former partner and head of the firm’s media and entertainment sector group who was also an enthusiastic musician, the firm makes regular donations to a number of music charities.
Charity days
Receptionists, secretaries and other support staff ensure that everyone regularly puts their hands in their pockets by enthusiastically supporting various charitable giving ventures including jeans days and name the teddy bear.
Pro Bono work
The firm takes on some cases of a pro bono basis – i.e. we provide legal and business advice without charge. For example, we help many members of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and these are often songwriters in difficulty or who have royalty issues. Also, we have helped entertainers and musicians who are facing disputes and provided evidence to enquiries.
Other members of the firm support selected cases in their own areas of specialisation – for example, one commercial lawyer assists electrical contractors with their disputes. If you have a case that you think merits pro bono assistance, please contact Marvin Simons in the first instance.