Baker McKenzie and five of its lawyers have been recognized by the Law Society of Hong Kong at the 2021 Pro Bono and Community Service Recognition Programme.
The Firm received a Bronze Award in recognition of its outstanding contribution in the provision of pro bono services from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Moreover, Baker McKenzie was presented with the "Special Award for the Year" for spending the highest number of service hours on "youth- and children-related" pro bono projects among law firms.
The following five lawyers, meanwhile, received individual awards in recognition of their pro bono and community work in the past year:
- Gillian Lam, Senior Associate, Dispute Resolution — Individual Gold Award
- Lilian Wong, Associate, Financial Services — Individual Gold Award
- Jennifer Wu, Associate, Tax — Individual Gold Award
- Yuki Yung, Associate, Dispute Resolution — Individual Gold Award
- Vivian Tsang, Associate, M&A — Individual Silver Award
The Law Society of Hong Kong supports and encourages a wide variety of pro bono legal services provided by lawyers to the people of Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the Pro Bono and Community Work Recognition Programme aims to promote and encourage the society's members to perform pro bono and community work, in addition to serving as a platform to show appreciation for and honor members, trainee solicitors, registered foreign lawyers, local law firms, as well as foreign law firms that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer pro bono and community work.
Baker McKenzie consistently supports various non-profit organizations and takes an active role in their programs, including working with Save the Children and pursuing its advocacy project to support a ban on physical and humiliating punishment of children in Hong Kong; partnering with RUN Hong Kong Limited to deliver education workshops, sports and well-being classes, as well as participating in its charity run program and providing pro bono service to the organization; and taking an active role in the Well Dunk Public Housing Estate Basketball Program, which was created and managed by InspiringHK Sports Foundation to support the development and education of students through regular sports training, competitions and mentoring.