Responsible Business Impact Review
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Highlights in our United Kingdom, Ireland and Middle East (UKIME) region during Financial Year 2024/25.
Committed to Shared Prosperity
Our focus extends beyond delivering quality legal services – we are equally driven by the legacy we create and the enduring value we contribute to society. We remain resilient in a fast-changing world, delivering sustained success by fostering shared value. The future changes we aspire to at Dentons will take time, and I am extremely proud of our contribution so far to making them a reality. We have achieved significant progress towards our commitments which has established us as a recognised leader of sustainability in our industry. The investments we have made complement our five-year regional strategy and will only continue to support our firm’s industry status and growth into the future. We are not resting on our laurels. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our progress, aspirations and objectives remain ambitious and bold. We will challenge ourselves to realise new development opportunities with our clients, people and community at the heart of our decisions."
Becoming a leading responsible business in the UKIME
Paul Jarvis Chief Executive, UK, Ireland and Middle East
Claire England Head of Responsible Business for the UKIME region
Our regional impact at a glance
Our five-year regional strategy is rooted in our commitment to being a responsible business. Our goals and actions align with our firm’s global purpose of redefining possibilities. Together. Everywhere. We believe that doing good is imperative for doing well. That is why we continue to work on reducing the adverse impacts of our operations while enhancing the positive wherever possible. Our progress is achieved through the passion and drive of our people. Through their ideas, actions and advice we unlock value and create inclusive progress for our clients, communities and planet.
Our legal professionals have delivered 14,642 pro bono hours of free legal advice.
75% of our people feel they are able to achieve a good work life balance – up from 71% last year. Source: Dentons Voice 2024 employee engagement survey
38% reduction in waste across the UKIME region.
£240,246 distributed to charities through grants and donations.
100% of our trainees and apprentices participated in pro bono work.
88% of our colleagues feel they are treated fairly and with respect. Source: Dentons Voice 2024 employee engagement survey
As the world changes quickly, we face new challenges and opportunities. Together, we help our clients, our people, and our communities adapt and succeed. We expect uncertainty and meet it head-on. Our focus is simple: offer excellent advice, act responsibly, and treat everyone fairly. This is how we build a business that matters. We are deeply committed to making a positive difference. Our advice helps clients grow in ways that are both inclusive and sustainable, spreading prosperity throughout our region. Clients choose us not just for our expertise, but because they trust our values and our commitment to doing what’s right. Our efforts are making a real difference. This year, Lamp House Strategy recognised us for responsible business, ranking us among the best out of 215 firms. By staying focused and working together, we weave responsibility into everything we do. There is more to achieve, but with determination, we will keep making a meaningful impact for all.
Environmental sustainability
Inclusion & fairness
Wellbeing
Governance
Home
Our people Our clients Our communities
Social justice & giving back
2024 was the warmest on record, seeing us surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius for the global average temperature. We remain steadfast in our Net Zero commitment. We keep challenging ourselves to measure and identity where we can reduce our emissions, paving the way for anticipated reductions in subsequent years."
A viable future for our planet
Caroline Connolly Environmental Sustainability Manager
Our environmental regional impact at a glance in the UKIME
We take accountability seriously and have voluntarily reported under the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework. We detailed the steps we are taking to mitigate climate risks and outlined how we will strengthen our governance and risk management approach. Going forward, we will advance our work quantifying climate-related material risks while identifying climate-related opportunities. All of these efforts help ensure our firm is future fit.
We extended our internationally recognised ISO 14001 (UK) and ISO 50001 (UK) certifications for environmental and energy management to include our Dublin office as well as all our UK offices.
76% reduction in associated emissions by engaging our top 50 suppliers (by spend) to transition to a supplier-specific emission calculations programme.
Transparency through climate-related disclosures in the UKIME
Climate change is a challenge for all of us. One we can only overcome through collective effort. Through transparency and engagement we bring the best minds together to identify solutions that generate shared value and strengthen our clients’ resilience in an ever-changing world.
Our clients
By collaborating with our clients, we accelerate the delivery of the positive changes we all want to see. Our His Majesty’s Government (HMG) legal team joined forces with the Government Legal Department at the Whitechapel Mission in London, UK. Together, they sorted through donations, tagging and organising items in preparation for distribution to those in need.
Collaborating for good in the UK
During Spring 2025, our people came together alongside 30 individuals from Sainsbury’s legal panel to carry out invaluable conservation work to protect Stave Hill Ecology Park in East London. Working together we constructed boundary fences and planted wildflowers, playing a vital role in maintaining the green spaces that are so important for the wildlife and community. “It was great to get out into nature, rolling our sleeves up to regenerate a park that so many rely on, alongside strengthening our close relationship with Dentons and our wider legal panel. Being outdoors provides us the opportunity to connect in ways that enables us to understand one another better, whilst appreciating that we can achieve more together than we ever could on our own.” Edward Anderson, Co-Director of Legal Services, Sainsbury's
Joining forces with Sainsbury’s legal panel to improve London’s green spaces
Our communities
Protecting our planet means more than reducing the impact of our operations. We are also committed to working with charities and community groups to tackle the social and economic challenges that arise from climate change.
This was a great opportunity for us to contribute to a local charity making a real difference. Our involvement reinforced the importance of sustainable food systems and how businesses can support both environmental and social impact initiatives."
Rob Francis Partner
Creating Leaders for Change in the Middle East
Net Zero Roadmap
Building a sustainable and successful future starts with everyday actions. Our people work to this ethos collaborating with clients and suppliers to drive mutual sustainable growth, and minimise consumption of our precious natural resources.
Our people
We are driving progress in the UK, Ireland and the Middle East (UKIME) by investing in and delivering on our Net Zero commitments, transforming our operations, and partnering with our clients and suppliers. Through our carbon reduction pathway, we are realising operational savings and creating value for our clients by decarbonising the delivery of our services.
By closing two floors in our London office over the festive period, we reduced energy consumption by 52% compared to a typical week.
More on Net Zero
Managing our office space efficiently is a key part of our responsible business approach. By proactively adjusting occupancy during quieter periods, such as the festive period, we not only reduced energy consumption and costs but created a more collaborative and connected environment for those in our office. With colleagues working in closer proximity, there are more opportunities for interaction and teamwork, enhancing the overall in-office experience."
Sue Kingdon Operations Director for the UKIME region
We are finding ways to decarbonise our operations and taking proactive steps towards a resilient future. In some areas progress hasn't been as strong as we would like. We keep reviewing our emissions and identifying areas where further progress can be made, aiming to improve our overall emissions reduction in future years.
We are committed to reducing our emissions, working towards Net Zero.
View our carbon reduction plan for details of our emissions footprint against our baseline
Our region has committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by FY2040.
UKIME offsetting target
Offsetting the remaining 10% of residual emissions through carbon removal projects.
UKIME long-term targets
Reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by Financial Year (FY) 2040 (from a FY2024 base year).
UKIME near-term targets
Reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by Financial Year2030 (from a FY2024 base year).
Focus on sustainable business travel As we continue to travel the globe to connect with our clients and colleagues, we will be enhancing our sustainability travel guidance aligned with our net zero goal.
Increased engagement with our supply chain We will continue to work collaboratively with our suppliers by understanding their ambitions and encouraging alignment with our carbon reduction plan. We’ve already seen success in this approach.
Empowering and equipping our people We are uniting people around our commitments by driving awareness and action through initiatives such as our annual global sustainability month programme, #PositiveActions campaign, and online e-learning resources, and environmental focused volunteering.
Ways to get our region to Net Zero
We plan to meet our near-term and long-term Net Zero commitments by focusing on several key initiatives.
Read more about governance and transparency
View our TCFD Report
Transport remains one of the highest emitting sectors for greenhouse gases and responsible decisions in this area will have a significant impact on our environment. Our sustainable travel guidance provides clear and practical tips to help our people make more sustainable and productive travel choices.
Making sustainable decisions in the UKIME
I recognise that business travel has a significant climate impact, which is why I consciously choose economy class for most trips. As a leader, I believe in setting an example. If we want to drive change, we must be willing to make thoughtful decisions that support both our environmental and business goals.”
Karyn Harty Partner
We believe that meaningful change is only possible when it is embedded into our culture, our daily decisions and our operations. Our #PositiveAction campaign highlights how small but conscious choices impact our broader commitment to tackling climate change. For example, turning off just one monitor every night over the course of a year can save around 300kwh of energy – the equivalent of charging a smartphone over 30,000 times. Everything from switching off unused monitors or laptops to choosing reusable food and drink container alternatives represent another step closer to our aim of protecting our planet.
Taking #PositiveAction across the UKIME
With the Mission supporting over 150 people a day through this initiative hundreds of tonnes of clothing is redistributed and saved from landfill.
With an estimated 300,000 tonnes of clothing sent to landfill in the UK each year, supporting reuse initiatives is more important than ever. It was a great team effort that everyone thoroughly enjoyed, offering a meaningful way to connect while supporting a sustainable and responsible cause.”
Olivia McGrath Trainee
As competitive as leading law firms can be, we're not allowing traditional rivalries to stop us learning from one another and achieving impactful change together. Our sector has an essential role to play, not least because of the influence we have over global actions that define the course of the climate crisis, so it's reassuring to see and be a part of efforts to ensure the direction is set for a long-term, sustainable planet.”
Our UKIME region became an official dialogue partner of Legal Charter 1.5 ahead of COP29. As a partner, we collaborate with other law firms to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration, as well as working with our clients to establish sustainable legal practices. The charter encourages and enables law firms to transition their strategies, operations and client work in line with a 1.5° world.
We played a vital role in advancing global sustainability efforts through our work with the Net Zero Policy and Regulation Hub at Oxford University. Our research was shared with the UN Secretary General’s Taskforce on Net Zero Policy and directly contributed to the Net Zero Policy Monitor. Our lawyers analysed Net Zero laws and policies in Saudi Arabia, focusing on public procurement, disclosure regulations, and transition planning. The findings also influenced discussions at the 2024’s UN Climate Conference (COP29).
Shaping global Net Zero policies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
With our critical insights into existing legal protections and gaps in current legislation, we have equipped Eurochild with the knowledge to strengthen advocacy efforts and push for more robust safeguards for children impacted by climate change. Eurochild is Europe’s largest network advocating for children's rights, and we have supported their work by conducting extensive research on the UK’s legal framework for protecting children in the face of environmental challenges.
Protecting children's rights in Europe
Colleagues from our Milton Keynes office came together to support the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance (SOFEA) in partnership with FareShare. Our team sorted food and prepared storage containers, helping to prevent good food from going to waste and reducing food poverty in local communities. We are proud to support the SOFEA programme which works to tackle hunger and food waste by rescuing and redistributing surplus produce.
Supporting food redistribution in the UK
To mark National Solicitor Apprenticeship Week 2025, our early careers cohort sourced 407kg of food – enough for 525 meals by the Hackney Foodbank’s calculations. With 9.5 million tonnes of food going unused in the UK each year, this initiative helps to tackle the enormous issue of hunger along with the environmental impact of food waste.
Fighting food waste and hunger in London
Our Muscat team took to the beach as part of Cleanup Oman, a voluntary initiative raising awareness about the dangers of waste. Our colleagues came together with their families to support our mission to protect our natural environment by picking up waste and debris from the sand to preserve Oman's beautiful coastline.
Cleaning up beaches in Oman
Our long-term charity partnerships strengthen client and community ties while driving tangible social value across our UKIME region. Through these opportunities, our people are able to spend time in nature and connect with other colleagues while boosting our mental health.
Protecting our planet with our UKIME charity partners
This year, 16 of our colleagues in the Middle East joined some of the region’s brightest minds across government, corporations and universities in the WWF Leaders of Change programme. Driven by the principle that ‘together, we can heal our planet and ourselves,’ the scheme drives tangible environmental impact around the world. From restoring mangroves and protecting pollinators to collecting 12,500 plastic nurdles from local beaches, our team have been at the forefront of this effort to safeguard biodiversity in the UAE.
Securing the future of the UK’s soil with the Soil Association
Our UK colleagues supported the My Food Community programme, funding 22 projects that have benefited over 1,700 people. By advancing local food resilience, supporting regenerative agriculture and lowering carbon emissions, we are supporting the Soil Association to transform food systems. Our Shadow Executive Team actively contribute to these efforts, assisting with tree and hedge management at Lauriston Agroecology Farm in Edinburgh. This work is vital for soil health, water conservation and biodiversity.
Spending an afternoon outdoors, making a tangible difference, was incredibly rewarding. It was a fantastic way to connect as a team while contributing to a more sustainable environment."
Sally Marshall Senior Talent Manager
Plastic fishing with Hubbub in London
Over 50 of our Business Services colleagues met up in London last summer to go plastic fishing in the world's first 99% recycled boats. The team took to the River Thames to clear the waterway of 19kg of waste, including 3kg of plastic bottles that will be used to build more plastic fishing boats. A perfect example of the circular economy in action.
The plastic learning session was informative (and scary!) and the actual fishing, brilliant fun especially in the summer sun. It is very disconcerting when we look around us to see how much plastic waste there is and I cannot recommend the event enough to remind us all of the issue and the opportunity to help our community.”
Helen Mason Head of Finance
Reforesting the nation in Ireland
With the Reforest Nation programme, we contributed 3,266 native trees at one of Ireland’s last remaining ancient woodlands, the Freedom Forest in Greystones, County Wicklow. Through our partnership, we are not just supporting a reforestation project, but we are also driving large-scale environmental and social transformation. We will continue to contribute to Reforest Nation's ambitious goals of planting 10 million trees by 2030 and ensuring biodiversity and ecosystem restoration by converting former agricultural land into thriving woodland.
Planting trees with my niece and nephew was a great experience. It was a hands-on way to see how reforesting native woodlands can support wildlife and restore natural ecosystems. It’s good to know our efforts will have a lasting impact."
Denise Rigney Office Manager, Ireland
Net Zero
Net Zero can be defined as the following in alignment with the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) Net Zero Standard: Companies must reduce emissions by at least 90–95% across their value chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by 2050 or earlier. Remaining emissions (typically 5–10%) that cannot be eliminated must be neutralised using permanent carbon removals (e.g., reforestation, direct air capture with storage). Companies cannot use offsets to substitute for reducing emissions. Offsets are only allowed to neutralise residual emissions.
Our people Our clients Our communities Accountability
To uphold accountability for our best practice approach and align with universal disclosure reporting standards, we maintain a rigorous and transparent governance framework for our environmental initiatives, ensuring we consistently meet the sustainability targets we set.
Accountability
CDP Our disclosure outlines how we assess, mitigate, and manage the risks and opportunities of climate change within our business. These independently administered scores reflect our performance on environmental sustainability. While we maintained an overall score of "C"—which represents the average performance for specialised professional services—we are encouraged by the noticeable improvements achieved across individual scoring categories.
SBTi Our Net Zero strategy has consistently aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. To strengthen transparency and provide independent assurance, we formally committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in February 2024. We are proud to share that our emissions reduction targets have now been officially validated by the SBTi, reaffirming our commitment to climate science and meaningful action.
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) By extending our UK ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications to include our Dublin office, both standards are now audited annually by LRQA, a UKAS-accredited body. These certifications demonstrate our accountability by requiring ongoing, independent verification of our environmental and energy management practices. ISO 14001 holds us responsible for continuously reducing our environmental impact—through waste, resource use, and pollution minimisation—while ISO 50001 ensures we systematically improve our energy efficiency. Together, they provide a structured framework for transparent, measurable, and accountable progress in tackling climate change and conserving resources.
GHG Verification Our annual GHG verification and validation are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the international standard ISO 14064-3 .
Collaborating to drive change
Our Environmental & Energy Policy Statement
78% reduction in waste at our Edinburgh office and at our Glasgow office by 10%. As well as introducing a new waste measurement process in these locations, we have updated our waste separation programme in our Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai offices. We've also installed new signage to encourage responsible disposal in our London office.
Our UKIME Fusion network brings together colleagues from shared backgrounds, providing a space to make our voices heard and to celebrate significant events. It’s a means to amplify the Asian experience within our region, driving positive change alongside our peer inclusion networks.”
Leading with inclusion enhances our ability to serve our global clients with excellence, and ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive in corporate law.
Harith Ahmed Solicitor Apprentice and co-chair of Fusion, our network for Asian Professionals
For our 1,600 people in the UKIME, a system that works fairly for all is helping our colleagues grow personally and professionally. Through this approach we are actively attracting and retaining top talent which in turn enables us to deliver the best service to our clients.
Each year, we collaborate with a selection of our clients to welcome students from disadvantaged backgrounds into our London offices for an immersive week of learning. In 2024, we were joined by His Majesty’s Government (HMG) namely Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HSBC and Warner Music International.
As a proud partner of The Lawscot Foundation, we support academically talented students from less-advantaged backgrounds across Scotland. This year, we welcomed seven students to our Edinburgh office for a skills workshop and speed networking session. Going beyond traditional mentorship, we offer mental health support as well as working with aspiring lawyers to build out their CV and LinkedIn presence alongside developing networking and communication skills. By closing the gaps in these key skill sets, we’re working to break down barriers to entry into law to nurture a more inclusive profession.
We continued our regional in-house Career Directions Programme (CDP) to attract and retain women lawyers. In 2024, we supported 29 participants through in-person workshops, 1:1 coaching, mentoring circles and engagement with senior role models. This initiative addresses the traditional systemic barriers to career progression by empowering junior women lawyers to take ownership of their careers and influence our policies. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with 100% of this year’s cohort reporting increased confidence and engagement. The programme won the Women in Law: Best Initiative to Attract and Retain Talent award at the Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025.
Our profession thrives on diversity of thought and experience, and it is imperative that this diversity is drawn from across society. This initiative is a professional commitment to social mobility, to make way for the next wave of legal expertise and personally, a barrier I am proud to help dismantle. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future in the legal sector."
Claire Armstrong Scotland Managing Partner
Supporting women lawyers in the UKIME
Our 'Now to Next' Scholarship Programme aims to tackle the underrepresentation of students from Black, African and Caribbean heritage within our industry and support access to the profession. We sponsor 14 students from across the UK through their three-year undergraduate degree in law. Our first four graduate scholars have either secured training contract offers or are undertaking postgraduate qualifications ahead of future applications. We will remain on hand to support them as their careers progress. Our support includes the provision of £2,500 per year to support learning and development, along with ongoing support and mentoring from our Early Careers Team and Trainees.
Social Mobility Business Partnership
Building confidence and supporting future talent in London
Supporting social mobility across Scotland with the Lawscot Foundation
Case study
Driving representation through scholarship in the UK
By bringing our networks together, we've not only created meaningful connections but also deepened our collaboration in the LGBT+ space and explored opportunities for a continuing and stronger working relationship. These events have fostered greater understanding and a stronger sense of community between our teams."
Ioannis Saridakis Associate and co-chair of GLOW
We work with representatives from ten Sainsbury’s panel law firms to discuss strategies to enhance social mobility across the legal progression, advance advocacy for those with disabilities and break down barriers for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Our colleagues joined the Sainsbury’s panel law firms to advance education and drive progress across four key inclusion areas – Race, Gender, Neurodiversity & Disability and Social Mobility.
Increasing awareness with Sainsbury’s in the UKIME
90% of our colleagues are able to be their authentic self in the workplace. Source: Dentons Voice 2024 employee engagement survey
96% of our solicitor apprentices studied at non-fee paying schools across the duration of our early careers programme from 2018 – 2024.
We voluntarily report our ethnicity pay gap of 20%.
84% of our disabled colleagues feel positively about the care that Dentons shows for personal wellbeing – an 11% increase since 2023. Source: Dentons Voice 2024 employee engagement survey
Our regional impact at a glance in the UKIME
We have reduced our gender pay gap by 2.7%.
We lead and have always led with inclusion. It is a deep part of our roots, and a core value held across our firm. Just two years after implementing our refreshed Inclusion & Diversity Strategy, we are already seeing tangible results in our region.
Read our Gender & Ethnicity Pay Gap
By 2028, in the UKIME we aim to
9.7%
6.2%
32.3%
Through our AccessAbility network, we continue to drive awareness of disabilities and long-term health conditions that shape our people's daily lives. We held a "Beyond the Surface" event which saw three colleagues share their experiences of living with non-apparent conditions, from hearing loss and long COVID to Crohn’s and coeliac disease. By sharing these stories, our teams are fostering a more inclusive, supportive and understanding workplace. To keep this sentiment at front of mind, we joined the sunflower lanyard scheme, and distributed these as a symbol of our ongoing commitment to support and awareness, making them available in every office.
Shining a light on unseen disabilities
Some look like this
Some disabilities look like this
The opportunity to connect with other junior female lawyers. Learning how to question those negative thoughts that you have and to spin them to positive thoughts. Learning how to navigate difficult conversations. Setting well defined goals and intentions to improve your development.”
Programme participant
Driven by Claire Hunter, Senior Associate and Co-Chair of our Parents and Carers Network, we introduced bi-monthly "Parent Pods". The virtual sessions provide a dedicated space for parents to connect, discuss key topics, share challenges, and exchange practical strategies for balancing work and family life. The initiative has seen growing participation, reflecting the increasing demand for peer-to-peer support and reinforcing our commitment to creating an inclusive and connected workplace. We’ve also launched our "Carers Support Group" to offer support to those juggling demanding jobs while caring for others.
A platform for parents and carers in the UKIME
I have found these sessions grounding and reassuring. They make me feel like I am not the only one who suffers from mum guilt at times. It has been nice to talk openly and freely about being a parent and a wife and the impact it has on me personally and professionally."
Claire Hunter Senior Associate and Co-Chair of our Parents and Carers Network
Being part of the Now to Next Scholarship programme has been an invaluable experience, contributing significantly to both my academic progress and professional development. The annual financial support has eased the burden of living away from home, allowing me to reduce part-time work commitments and dedicate more time to my studies, reflected in my high first-year grades. Beyond financial support, the programme has offered exceptional career development opportunities. I truly could not have achieved all of this without the programme’s support, and I look forward to the continued opportunities with Dentons as I progress in my legal career."
Davina Nalwadda Second year law graduate, will complete in 2026
We are committed to fostering diverse perspectives to provide our clients with the expert guidance they need. We help our clients create more sustainable practices while also championing each other’s goals for inclusion.
Rita Simoes-Muir Senior Talent Development Adviser, Dentons and Co-Chair of the Neurodiversity Sainsbury's panel law firm group
I have thoroughly enjoyed joining forces with legal and business services professionals across the Sainsbury's panel law firms who share my passion for creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals in the legal sector. I was honoured to participate in the webinar sharing my experience of living with dyspraxia, ADHD and OCD to deepen understanding of neurodiversity and to show the unique value neurodivergent individuals can bring."
Through ping pong nights, Asian bingo and much more, we are strengthening our relationship and forging new connections between our organisations.
Our GLOW network for LGBT+ people and allies partnered with TikTok's equivalent network to host a series of collaborative events.
Strengthening connections with TikTok in the UKIME
Since running the programme, 90% of participants say it has strengthened their university applications. The programme has been widely praised, earning a 4.4/5 rating from the students.
Together, our teams ran hands-on workshops to help attendees learn leadership, negotiation, teamwork, presentation and many other skills that can boost confidence in professional settings. By offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our workplace, we’re helping people from all backgrounds to feel more at home in the legal industry.
Volunteers from DWP were proud to deliver a day of Employability Skills workshops, supporting Dentons’ SMBP initiative in July 2024. Small groups of teens were put through their paces in a lively hands-on Survival Team-building challenge, an animated listening and communicating skills challenge, and then the ultimate test: some practise interviews. The day enabled these young people to identify and test out their own skills in a safe environment, learn from others and improve confidence in their abilities. They also learnt about the wide range of job roles in real settings of both the Civil Service and Dentons itself. It was a long and exhausting day, but watching how these young people navigated around the tasks, moved themselves out of their comfort zones, and found their voices, was a true reminder of why we go this extra mile. All the attendees said they had learned so much, and one even remarked that “Civil Servants are Cool”!"
Kirsty Harvey DWP Estates
We are proud to partner with and support many organisations that are equally as passionate about ensuring fair and equal systems for everyone. Our leadership in community engagement sets us apart, attracting clients who value partners that align with their values.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we collaborated with Feed a Labour to provide food for 500 people during Ramadan, whilst our London office hosted an intimate Iftar dinner organised by our Asian Professionals Network, Fusion. Around 20 colleagues gathered to break fast with Muslim colleagues, enjoying traditional food, henna artistry and meaningful conversations. The evening created an opportunity for colleagues to connect, strengthening the sense of community.
Recognising Ramadan across the UKIME
Our Dubai team is continuing its work with Senses, the first residential centre for people with disabilities in the Middle East. This past year, we donated 65 toys for the 130 residents to enjoy, and 4 sewing machines which will be used at the vocational unit. We also gifted sets of clothes and shoes that reached 25 children. We continue to support the centre’s efforts through volunteering, funding vital repairs after storm damage and running educational initiatives.
Supporting Senses in Dubai
Need addtional info for this
Increase women in our partnership to 35%.
Increase ethnic diversity to 10% within our UK&I partnership.
Increase ethnic diversity at Senior Associate and Counsel level to 12%.
6.4 percentage points since April 2023
1.3 percentage points since April 2023
To date:
UKIME regional diversity workforce statistics
0.3% percentage points since April 2023
The legal profession has traditionally valued long hours and short-term financial performance over sustainability. Yet high performance isn't solely about productivity - it's also about creating the conditions for our people to excel. That means combining ambition with sustainable ways of working, fostering innovation and building a culture of genuine care and support for wellbeing. Our colleagues thrive when they are equipped to perform at their best, with the tools, support and flexibility to maintain that performance even in challenging and turbulent times, enabling them to rise to new opportunities and deliver exceptional results for our clients, now and in the future."
Wellbeing is at the heart of performance in the UK, Ireland and Middle East
Helen Simpson Managing Partner
77% Say day-to-day workloads are manageable. That’s 7% higher than the global benchmark and 4% above a high-performing norm. Source: Dentons Voice 2024 employee engagement survey
One-third of colleagues feel the support we provide makes Dentons a great place to work. Source: Dentons Voice 2024 employee engagement survey
78% feel their manager demonstrates care for their health and wellbeing. Source: Dentons Voice 2024 employee engagement survey
We introduced a virtual platform, MYNDUP, to bolster our benefits with fast, proactive wellbeing support.
Making a difference with Mental Health First Aid across the UKIME
In the Middle East, we have partnered with The LightHouse Arabia, the only authorised and licensed provider for MHFA training in the UAE, to ensure that our teams have local knowledge of mental health support and an understanding of key cultural nuances. We now have ten trained MHFAiders across the Middle East who are promoted in each office with their local languages to remove a further barrier of asking for help. To ensure they are confident in their roles, we run regular upskilling sessions covering: How can HR support colleagues on their mental health journey The available mental health resources across the region Q&A sessions with a qualified trainer to ensure clarity and confidence across key areas We enhance mental health support for our people by making MHFAiders easy to find on our internal portal, via email signatures and through green MHFAider lanyards. Our SharePoint MHFAider Resource Hub is a one-stop shop for all resources, tools, training and self-care for MHFAiders, giving them the support they need to be effective in their role.
We place a strong focus on supporting the mental health of our people and have expanded our regional team of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) to 55.
We create safe spaces for mental health conversations, including Time to Talk Day sessions led by Claire England, Head of Responsible Business and Jenna Duguid, Responsible Business Advisor led a session for colleagues aimed at encouraging people to prioritise their own mental health and how to support that of others. Our London and Edinburgh offices also held “Meet the Mental Health First Aider” sessions to increase engagement.
Time to talk in the UKIME
At a Dentons, our duty of care extends beyond legal matters—it includes creating an environment where our people feel supported, valued, and heard. From organising dedicated time at our OGC team away days to address wellbeing to everyday conversations, I believe that prioritising mental health strengthens both our teams and our work. Mental health matters, and I’m proud to champion it in everything we do."
Jen Thomson Deputy General Counsel & MHFAider
We help our people stay well in many aspects of their lives by listening to their needs and making meaningful changes to policies and ways of working. This continuous evolution ensures our people feel supported, valued and able to perform at their best.
True success is realised in how our expertise and impact helps shape a better, more just society. By sharing our advice and knowledge, we are supporting charities and organisations across the UKIME region reach more people every day.
Mind, a leading mental health charity, required a new premises to continue to offer mental health support services in Hackney and Waltham Forest. These services are vital to local communities, and provide immediate support to those who require assistance and advice. An effective and cost efficient solution was required to ensure the charity could continue their work in the area. We supported Mind to give extensive real estate pro bono legal advice and, as a result, they were able to secure a new lease for the charity. We also provided advice on a dilapidations settlement for their old premises.
Ensuring access to mental health services across England and Wales
95% of Senior Managers, Directors and Practice Groups Leaders completed bespoke neurodiversity training.
Over 40 people took part in the series, attending a range of presentations and panel discussio This included a session on “Investing in wellbeing, yourself and your team", which taught attendees how to: Spot the signs of mental ill-health and burn-out Create an inclusive and psychologically safe environment Understand what action to take if someone appears to have mental health difficulties The training programme, which will run again this year, is targeted at Business Services Professionals with less than 12 months of management experience. In anonymous feedback, most attendees rated the series as excellent with one commenting: "A really informative session with engaging content from Claire and Jenna. I took a lot from it - in particular, the need to be proactive with offers of help to colleagues who may be struggling."
Building essential UKIME leadership skills
We have seven active inclusion networks that play a vital role in fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in line with our ID&E focus areas. Our networks provide a space for our people to connect on shared interests, support one another as peers, and drive positive change for our Firm and wider society. They also provide a platform for new and different voices to be heard to inform strategic action across our Firm while also fostering a sense of community and lifelong friendship.
Nurturing safe and supportive UKIME networks
As part of our commitment to supporting parents and families, we regularly review our policies ensuring we provide colleagues with the space and support needed. Over the past year, we have amended our Bereavement and Neonatal leave. These initiatives give parents the space to welcome new lives or grieve the loss of loved ones, without any additional financial or professional pressures. For FY 2025/26, we will introduce a major refresh and improvement of our family leave policies across the firm.
Enhanced UKIME family friendly policies
Through providing specialised training on specific topics e.g. neurodiversity and suicide to our MHFAiders, HR Business Partners and Responsible Business team members we equip them with the confidence to offer immediate and compassionate help to our colleagues if they ever needed it. By embedding this level of care into our culture and investing in training initiatives, we’re proactively working to break the stigma surrounding mental health to create a safer workplace for everyone.
Breaking stigma through training
Recognising the importance of accessible mental health support, we launched MYNDUP in July 2024. MYNDUP is a virtual platform giving our people comprehensive mental health services, including access to trauma specialists and other professional practitioners. We offer our people six free sessions with the option to add more, plus access to MYNDUP's vast wellbeing library with articles, webinars and programmes across various topics, including neurodiversity, men's mental health and navigating parenthood.
Launching MYNDUP in the UKIME
Since its launch, we have delivered 107 sessions on the platform, connecting colleagues with counsellors and crisis support within just a few hours.
We know that our clients’ success depends not only on our expertise but also on our ability to bring clarity, consistency, and focus in every interaction. Wellbeing plays a role here too as when our people are supported and at their best, they can respond with greater agility, deliver improved outcomes for our clients. Our deep care for our people extends to our clients and their employees. Reflecting our firms’ purpose, we believe in the importance of shaping a future where people are at the heart of decision making. As a result, we are actively building strong relationships where opportunities for growth and enhanced wellbeing are being realised.
With employees and representatives from clients joining this training, we not only helped build connections across the legal community but also reinforced a shared commitment to mental wellbeing.
As part of Pro Bono Week, we hosted two impactful training sessions on vicarious trauma led by Mary Jackson from LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector.
Vicarious trauma training in the UKIME
To extend the reach of this support and foster shared learning, we invited clients from other law firms with whom we collaborate on complex and emotionally demanding cases. By equipping our legal teams and clients with trauma-informed practices and strategies for self-care, we are strengthening our collective ability to navigate challenging cases with empathy, confidence, and care. The sessions were designed to address the emotional toll that pro bono work can have, and participants gained a deeper understanding of vicarious trauma and its symptoms, as well as practical tools for managing stress, setting boundaries, and cultivating resilience.
In 2024, our Talent Development Team launched the Leadership Essentials Series to support wellbeing awareness within leadership. Over 40 people took part in the series, attending a range of presentations and panel discussions. This included a session on “Investing in wellbeing, yourself and your team", which taught attendees how to: Spot the signs of mental ill-health and burn-out Create an inclusive and psychologically safe environment Understand what action to take if someone appears to have mental health difficulties The training programme, which will run again this year, is targeted at Business Services Professionals with less than 12 months of management experience. In anonymous feedback, most attendees rated the series as excellent with one commenting: "A really informative session with engaging content from Claire and Jenna. I took a lot from it - in particular, the need to be proactive with offers of help to colleagues who may be struggling."
Over 40 people took part in the series, attending a range of presentations and panel discussions. This included a session on “Investing in wellbeing, yourself and your team", which taught attendees how to: Spot the signs of mental ill-health and burn-out Create an inclusive and psychologically safe environment Understand what action to take if someone appears to have mental health difficulties The training programme, which will run again this year, is targeted at Business Services Professionals with less than 12 months of management experience. In anonymous feedback, most attendees rated the series as excellent with one commenting: "A really informative session with engaging content from Claire and Jenna. I took a lot from it - in particular, the need to be proactive with offers of help to colleagues who may be struggling."
We recognise that looking after ourselves as human beings is essential – for personal fulfilment and also to perform at our best at work. We aspire to empower our people to stay motivated, pursue their passions, and realise their full potential.
Creating impact through purpose and passion in the UKIME
Giving back through our award-winning UK Solicitor Apprentice scheme
As someone who struggled with the stress of full-time education and finds a practical approach to learning more effective, the apprenticeship has allowed me to continue to progress my education in a way that is more suited to my learning style. It has also provided me with real world knowledge which I have been able to apply to my studies, giving them context and making them easier to understand. On top of that, it has allowed me to gain independence and has opened up job opportunities I would not have otherwise been exposed to.”
Harriet Bagguley Solicitor Apprentice, Milton Keynes
We believe in the importance of inspiring everyone to give back. Our trainees and apprentices are actively encouraged to support community projects as soon as they begin their career. Many of our apprentices volunteer their time internally with our inclusion networks as well as volunteering in our communities. As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, our teams supported Hackney Foodbank, sourcing and distributing vital resources. Following the success of this scheme, we have extended the programme to our Business Services' Finance team with a Tax Apprentice and launched our Scottish Business Services Apprenticeship Programme across the Glasgow Finance and Central Belt Innovation teams.
As one of the first firms in the UK to launch an apprentice route to qualification, we now have one of the largest solicitor apprentice cohorts in the UK legal market at 26 people. The past seven years have seen two groups successfully complete the programme, with five of our solicitor apprentices now fully qualified.
Our collective commitment to volunteering makes a real difference in the communities we serve. Our Business Services people are provided with 21 hours of volunteering time, and our legal professionals are also permitted to use their allocated 'investment hours' to support causes that matter deeply to them as part of their overall chargeable hours. We are proud to spotlight some of their incredible efforts:
Dedicating our time to meaningful causes across UKIME
For three years, Rita has mentored young people through MCR Pathways, helping them build confidence and find their talents. "Never underestimate the power of listening. Many young people are seen as troublemakers when they just need someone to understand them. It’s incredible how much they learn from us, but also how much we learn from them." As well as nurturing new talent, her mentoring work has helped to build Rita’s expertise. "I’ve become a better coach and listener. The skills I’ve developed have been hugely beneficial to my role."
Ouahiba Bouchenafa IT Technical Support Specialist: Supporting patients
Providing pro bono asylum support in Greece
Since 2015, Greece has seen a considerable increase in asylum claims, overwhelming the system and impinging on the fundamental legal rights and human needs of already vulnerable people. In 2019, we launched the award-winning Greece Pro Bono Collaborative with European Lawyers in Lesvos (ELIL) and five other firms to provide active support to asylum seekers. The project sees volunteer lawyers take two-week secondments to work with ELIL in Athens and Lesvos, offering guidance and advice to asylum seekers preparing for interviews.
We support our communities and advocate for those in need. Connection is key and we provide opportunities for our people to get involved with organisations and partnerships that utilise their skills to benefit society.
We are passionate about supporting causes around the world that focus on social justice. By increasing social mobility and addressing the social challenges created by climate change, we are helping to drive equitable prosperity.
Dentons volunteers have made a significant impact with our partners Worktree, a charity bridging the gap between students and the world of work. Last year, 30 volunteers from across the region met with 1,833 students at 20 schools in 72 Virtual Career WorkOut sessions. Through these sessions, Worktree gives secondary school students opportunities to engage with professionals, build confidence and further their career aspirations. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
Milton Keynes, UK: Worktree
Dentons is proud to support Worktree. Our Milton Keynes office and Legal Delivery Centre play a key role, with colleagues from across the firm volunteering in virtual and in-person career workout sessions. Beyond volunteering, our commitment includes sponsorship, running "Dentons Den" events, offering insight experiences for local schools like Ousedale, and actively participating in Worktree’s trustee and sponsor meetings. As the firm’s lead for Worktree engagement, I was honoured to accept a Worktree Volunteers Award on behalf of Dentons in November 2024. We believe this partnership is a fantastic way to inspire and support the next generation, helping them navigate their career paths with confidence."
Chris Northway Senior Associate
£28,249 raised for our locally nominated charities.
As part of the Greece Pro Bono Collaborative, we’ve provided 416 hours of free legal advice to people seeking asylum.
Our business services professionals have invested over 700 volunteer hours.
We’re committed to enhancing the communities in which we live and work. As global inequality widens, our support for the most vulnerable in society is unwavering. By sharing our resources and expertise, we are widening access to justice services and increasing the reach of our charity partners.
Over the past year, our people have harnessed their skills and passion to broaden our impact. We continue to collaborate with our communities to build long-term plans for partnerships, tackle social inequalities and combat climate change.
We’ve helped our communities realise £4.7M in comparative savings.
74 of our lawyers are on the latest edition of the Attorney General's Pro Bono Recognition List.
We invested over 900 hours to one of our longest-standing partners, the Whitechapel Mission.
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Rita Simões-Muir Senior Talent Development Adviser: Mentoring tomorrow’s professionals
Ouahiba volunteers weekly with the Person Centered Care (PCC) Ambassadors Programme in Qatar, supporting female patients with motor impairments through social and recreational activities. Her commitment has led to speaking opportunities to inspire others to volunteer. "Giving just one hour of my time helps the programme thrive. On a personal level, it has also helped me overcome anxious uncertainty. As our firm’s footprint in Qatar grows, it’s important that our impact is felt not just in the legal space, but in the community as well."
"Support from law firms like ours is crucial for organisations like ELIL, enabling them to continue their essential work. My experience there not only contributed to my personal development but also benefited our colleagues at ELIL and the community."
Uzmah Shah Associate
Brad Sykes Associate
“The ELIL secondment was an incredible, yet eye-opening experience. The work that the ELIL do is invaluable, and to feel like you are intricately involved and making a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people on the planet is not something that you get to do every day. I have so much respect for those that carry out this important work on a daily basis, as it can be extremely challenging at times."
We achieve more when we work together. Our clients often share the same responsible business commitments and through collaboration we aim to be a collective force for good, building long-term benefits for business and society.
We work alongside our in-house counterparts at Morgan Stanley to take on cases for the National Centre for Domestic Violence. Together, we have worked on ten cases in the last financial year. Under the supervision of our experienced volunteers, our teams help survivors of domestic violence to obtain non-molestation orders and occupation orders. "Giving Back is one of Morgan Stanley’s five Core Values and an important priority for the whole Firm. Over the last three years, Morgan Stanley and Dentons have worked together to assist over 25 victims of domestic violence who are seeking protection from their abusers to obtain injunctions from their local county courts. In that time, over 20 Morgan Stanley volunteers from offices across EMEA have dedicated hundreds of hours towards these cases. Without the partnership between Morgan Stanley and Dentons, this would not have been possible. From a Morgan Stanley perspective, it has been a pleasure to work with Dentons on this pro bono initiative, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the years ahead.”
Supporting survivors of domestic violence with Morgan Stanley EMEA
We understand that not everyone has the privilege of access to high quality legal advice, and we’re working hard to level the playing field. Established in 2006, PopLaw is our award-winning weekly walk-in initial legal advice clinic. We operate a clinic each week from two sites in Poplar and Whitechapel, supporting over 500 people over the last year. Our expert volunteers advise those in the local community on their legal standing with regards to housing, benefits, employment, consumer rights and much more. "Seeking legal advice is an intimidating process and for those with little or no experience with the law, and limited financial resources, it can be even harder. We sometimes see clients that have been struggling with the mental load of a relatively simple legal query, and you can feel the relief when you are able to tell them that a simple email can sort their problem out." Caoimhe Deery, Lawyer, Goldman Sachs
Empowering communities in London through better access to legal advice
97% of volunteers enjoyed the sessions and
93% now feel more positive about their work.
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Our colleagues in Dublin dedicated over 100 hours to mentoring as part of the Dentons Legal Insights Programme at Maynooth University. We work with law and criminology students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to enhance professional skills, boost confidence and strengthen connections within the legal field. Students and mentors alike have praised the initiative for its inclusiveness and impact. We look forward to continuing our work with Maynooth University next year.
Dublin, Ireland: Maynooth University
We have come a long way in terms of access to education for students from underrepresented backgrounds but access to the professions remains low so we felt passionately that Dentons could do our part to address this. The participation rate in the programme surpassed all our expectations and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Huge credit is due to not only to our associates who mentored the students and the partners who took the time to do the mock interviews, but also to the mentees and the amazing team in Maynooth who had the perfect mix of structures and encouragement that kept the students engaged.”
Ciara FitzGerald Partner
Through our long-standing partnership with the Robinson Crusoe Foundation, Dentons Warsaw helps to uncover and nurture opportunities for young people in the foster care system. Since 2016, we have organised the Self-Reliance Vehicle - a series of biweekly workshops aimed at developing essential life skills. Last year, we worked with the foundation to host the finale of the 10th edition of the Future Makers mentoring programme, which helps teenagers in foster care to develop their English skills and build a strong foundation for adulthood. Our colleagues in Warsaw took on an even more active role as senior mentors, guiding participants and supporting fellow mentors throughout the programme.
Warsaw, Poland: Robinson Crusoe Foundation
Our colleagues in the Amman office continued their long tradition of donating hundreds of new toys and stationery items to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization Charity Clothing Bank. The project gives families in need the opportunity to experience shopping for clothes and other items at no cost. Our donation was timed to coincide with Eid al-Adha, continuing our commitment to assisting good causes during the two major holidays in the Islamic calendar.
Amman, Jordan: Jordan Hashemite clothes drive
Children are inspired by play, and we hope the donation from our team will bring them joy in challenging circumstances. We are so pleased to continue supporting the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization which has a unique approach to distributing gifts and involves ensuring recipients feel part of everyday society."
Mohammad Adaileh Associate
This year, colleagues from our Glasgow office volunteered their time to support various fundraising initiatives with the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity. Teams participated in the Great Scottish Run and the Kilt Walk, while others hosted quizzes and bake sales. Over the Christmas period, volunteers collected donations at local shopping centres and visited patients at the hospital.
Glasgow, UK: Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
In Edinburgh, colleagues volunteered for six shifts with the Bethany Christian Trust’s Overnight Welcome Centre, providing a safe place for the city’s homeless population. The team shopped for, prepared and served hot meals to an average of 50 homeless people across each shift.
Edinburgh, UK: Bethany’s Overnight Welcome Centre
We stand alongside individuals and organisations who are a voice for social justice and human rights issues. Every six months we send a trainee on secondment to Reprieve, the UK’s leading human rights NGO whose mission is to use strategic interventions to end the use of the death penalty globally and to end human rights abuses carried out in the name of “counter-terrorism” or “national security”. Embedded within Reprieve’s Litigation team, the trainee plays a vital role in day-to-day projects. The secondment gives the trainee a fantastic opportunity to gain new experiences and develop skills that will make them a more rounded lawyer for their career ahead.
and said her standout moment was “conducting research in support of an urgent submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as was my involvement in the preparation of a third-party intervention at the European Court of Human Rights."
Charlotte Ward Trainee
Supporting Reprieve in the UK with trainee resource
Empowering prisoners with Prisoners Advice Service (PAS) in the UK
In our support of the wider justice and legal systems, we work with the Prisoners' Advice Service (PAS) who offer free and independent legal advice to adult prisoners throughout England and Wales regarding their legal, human and healthcare rights. A team of volunteers from our firm work with the PAS's letter writing clinic, reviewing correspondence, researching legal queries and providing advice on rights within prisons. So far, we have committed over 180 hours to this work, responding to between five to ten letters every month.
Lubia Begum-Rob Director, Prisoners’ Advice Service
There is a huge demand for PAS services; so we are extremely pleased to have Dentons' kind support with our Letters Clinic, and for their help summarising key cases for inclusion in our legal bulletins. These are both core services for prisoners and so working with corporate firms allows PAS to provide legal advice and information to prisoners' queries about their detention more quickly. The work PAS does is very challenging - our spirits are lifted to know we can look forward to working with Dentons for many years to come."
“intellectually stimulating and inspiring”
Our most recent secondee, Charlotte Ward, found the secondment to be
Driven by principles, committed to impact in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Middle East
In 2023, we carried out a materiality assessment with our regional Board to determine which of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are most relevant to our mission. We selected seven that we can make the greatest contribution towards.
Addressing global challenges
Our Trustees
Claire Armstrong Managing Partner, Scotland
David Payton Partner
Dan Bodle Partner
Gareth Steen Partner
Acting as a supervisory committee to the regional Board, our ESG Committee helps to develop strategy relating to our Responsible Business Commitment and its associated goals. As ESG continues to evolve, the Committee keeps track of the latest trends and market developments, updating the Board on any significant changes and recommending adaptations to our approach. It was on the advice of the ESG Committee that we made the decision to voluntarily report under the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure framework.
Our UKIME ESG Committee
Accountability, discipline and the principles of transparency and ethical conduct are core to our everyday ways of working. We remain steadfastly – and proudly – committed to achieving inclusive progress through environmental sustainability, social justice and supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.
Our Responsible Business team works tirelessly to ensure we do not waiver from our core beliefs of fairness, transparency and justice. With a deep knowledge and vast experience, they embed ESG programmes, policies and principles into everything we do in partnership with our Executive Leadership team.
Our UKIME Responsible Business team
Claire England Head of Responsible Business
Nicke Harrison Inclusion & Wellbeing Senior Consultant
Jamie Garside Pro Bono Manager (Lawyer)
Abbie Hildrew Inclusion, Wellbeing and Community Advisor
Jenna Duguid Responsible Business Advisor
Zach Finan Responsible Business Support Assistant
Driving progress through responsible business
Mary Ogungbe Ajayi Inclusion, Wellbeing and Community Advisor
Led by Partner Sponsors Dan Bodle and Sarah Lima, our Pro Bono & Community Committee is a cross-departmental taskforce comprising fee earners and non-fee earners. At its core, the Committee is responsible for implementing our Pro Bono & Community policies and driving engagement with partners and employees. Members work together to create and promote company initiatives and bring new and innovative ideas to the attention of our leadership teams. Last year, we appointed two new members of the Committee, Partner Yasser Taqi and Senior Associate Meghan Devine, and launched Pro Bono Champions for each of our offices in the Middle East. Reporting into Pro Bono Committee Manager Jamie Garside, our Champions work closely with colleagues on environmental matters, to support survivors of domestic violence and assist those in need.
Building pro bono champions
Our UKIME Pro Bono & Community Committee
I'm so proud of the pro bono work that lawyers across our Middle East region have carried out over the last year. We have collaborated on a number of impactful initiatives including advising the UN on gender responsive procurement, partnering with the University of Oxford on a report into climate policy monitoring which was launched at COP29, as well as working on grassroots Dentons projects such as Poplaw. We're looking forward to building on this momentum to create more meaningful change in our communities and beyond."
Meghan Devine Senior Associate
Ensuring we remain accountable to our commitments
The Committee comprises two members of the Board, three partners, a member of our Office of the General Counsel, the Head of Responsible Business and our Chief Operating Officer. This breadth of senior experience and leadership allows us to adopt a best practice approach across all key decisions.
By focusing in these areas, we can create prosperity for all and help secure the futures of our clients, people, communities and the planet.
In 2024, we received 100% in the Achilles audit, spanning categories from health and safety, and environment to quality and corporate social responsibility.
Third-party sustainability and ESG assessments give us a valuable external perspective on our performance, and strengthens our reputation. We aim to prioritise those that are most relevant and strategic to our business. This includes:
Broadening perspective through third-party assessments in the UKIME
We've now completed the EcoVadis assessment for the third year running and maintain our bronze rating but deliver year on year improvements on individual scores within the assessment.
We obtained a score that put us in the top 10% of law firms for responsible business in Lamp House Strategy's annual report of over 215 law firms on their ESG disclosures.
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Read more on Environmental sustainability
Supporting charities for 30 years in the UKIME
Our Charitable Trust has reached its 30-year milestone, having supported small charities in our community since 1994. Since 2004, we’ve awarded 2,113 donations totalling just over £2.1m to 968 small charities.
In 2024/25 the Trust donated £184,841 to some of the most vulnerable of society, from families living in poverty, the elderly, disabled and the homeless, to ex-offenders, community centres, hospices and youth projects.
The Trust also supports the homeless, refugees, victims of domestic abuse and those who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, as well as providing aid for many hospices and food banks. As well as making financial contributions, the Trust amplifies its impact through pro bono legal advice and a range of professional support.
