Global law firm Baker McKenzie has won Legal Week’s African Legal Award for CSR, Diversity, Transformation and Economic Empowerment. The firm won the International Law Firm of the Year and the Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources Team of the Year awards at the annual African Legal Awards ceremony held in Johannesburg last week.

The firm won the award for its work on the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) Human Rights Documentation and Strategic Litigation Training project in Kenya. PILPG is a global pro bono law firm providing free legal assistance to states and governments involved in peace negotiations, drafting post-conflict constitutions, and prosecuting war criminals. Baker McKenzie’s team participated in capacity building training with local human rights organisations’ and lawyers in Kenya, including helping to develop training material.  The training and capacity building of Kenyans was aimed at encouraging leadership in promoting the rule of law and human rights in communities.

In addition, ProBono.Org, a South African NGO, recognised the Johannesburg office of Baker McKenzie with an award this week for the firm’s, "willingness to provide ongoing legal support to ProBono.Org."
 
Morne van der Merwe, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie in Johannesburg,said,"We understand that our responsibility as a legal service provider goes beyond advising clients. Helping the communities in which we operate has always been an integral component of our work. Placing pro bono at the forefront of what we do has also forged powerful affinities with our clients who share the same commitment to social justice."

“Our Africa team has developed a Corporate Social Responsibility plan for Africa which revolves around the theme of education and capacity building. We are keen to continue to do our part to help to improve the quality and efficiency of the local and regional legal environments in Africa. Winning awards for the work we do is an indication that our efforts are having a positive impact on the communities in which we do business."