We recognise that one of the most valuable contributions a law firm can make to the community is the provision of high quality pro bono legal assistance.
Over many years, we have provided pro bono assistance to marginalised or disadvantaged people who cannot afford legal services, "not for profit" organisations working on behalf of these groups, in matters of broad public concern.
We believe that actions speak louder than words.
The pro bono work we undertake covers a wide range of areas, including unfair contracts, consumer credit, workplace advice together with a wide variety of corporate and business advice for non profit organisations. We are currently participating in the Leaps program (Lawyers Encouraging and Assisting Promising Student) a mentoring program carried out in conjunction with Arthur Phillip High School under the auspices of the Department of Education.
Champion Legal also provides community assistance in the form of undertaking work on behalf of the Legal Aid Commission of NSW. Three solicitors are members of a panel of solicitors who represent children whose parents are in dispute before the Family Court or Federal Magistrates Court. The representation provides children with a voice in parental disputes and often assists families to devise child-focussed solutions to parenting issues.
The people at Champion have played an active role in many local and regional organisations over many years. This is one of the fundamental ways in which we differentiate ourselves from many of the other professional business service organisations in the region.
Whilst we benefit from a number of the business contacts made from our participation in the community, and it does provide valuable local and regional knowledge not easily available from other sources, this approach also reflects our view that a strong region is beneficial to all.
Many of the activities we support and the groups we participate with are not-for-profit organisations that depend on volunteer labour and support. Some of the organisations we actively support include:
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The University of Western Sydney and the Sydney Graduate School of Management;
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The Riverside Theatre
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The WSAHS Human Research Ethics Committee;
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The Western Sydney Area Health Service Bioethics Consultative Committee;
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The Western Sydney Business Connection;
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Sydney West Marketing;
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The Northcott Society;
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Western Sydney Rotary Clubs;
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Parramatta Mission;
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The Millennium Foundation;
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The Law Society of NSW;
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The Parramatta Law Society;
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The Parramatta Art Society
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Several local Chambers of Commerce.
In all of the above organisations, our people have, and continue to play, active roles on a voluntary basis, much of which is outside of normal business hours. We strongly believe that a business such as ours should make a tangible contribution above and beyond the occasional financial contribution.
Some examples include:
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President of the NSW Law Society
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President of the Western Sydney Business Connection
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President of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce
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Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney
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President of the Australian Racing Drivers Club
