Thomson Snell & Passmore signs up to new pro bono initiative

First firm in Kent to join Fifth Day, which promotes volunteering opportunities for ‘non-lawyers’ within the UK legal sector.

Thomson Snell & Passmore has joined some of the biggest employers in the UK legal services sector, by signing up to a new initiative aimed at promoting the take-up of pro bono work by business service professionals.

Fifth Day launched in June this year. Its aim is to connect highly skilled people with high-calibre volunteering opportunities. The non-profit organisation has been launched in conjunction with leading skills-based volunteering organisation Reach Volunteering.

As part of its membership of Fifth Day, the start of which coincides with the first day of National Pro Bono Week, Thomson Snell & Passmore has committed to promoting pro bono opportunities among its work force, will also recognise skills and experience gained in the voluntary sector in the context of personal development, and introduce its own charitable partners to the scheme where appropriate.

Sarah Henwood, Chief Executive Officer at Thomson Snell & Passmore says: “Giving back to the communities in which we live and work is something that is deeply ingrained in the firm’s long history. We’re thrilled to be joining Fifth Day, to expand our already excellent volunteering programme with opportunities that are specific to our talented business support teams.

“We’re also keen to spread the word about this new initiative far and wide with local charities, so that they can sign up to benefit from the many skilled volunteers across the Fifth Day network, which includes a wide range of law firms.”

Fred Banning, Founder of Fifth Day, adds: “It is really heartening that so many law firms, at both a national and regional level, have embraced the concept of non-legal pro bono. I’m so pleased to have Thomson Snell & Passmore on board.

“It’s no secret that we’re in for a tough winter in the UK, and the work of third sector organisations has arguably never been more important. This is a really tangible way for individuals to get involved and help, with the support of their employers.”