IBA Group Member Awards recognise support of leading international law firms
Thursday 18 November 2021
The International Bar Association (IBA) has announced law firms Baker McKenzie, Clifford Chance, IMMMA Advocates and DLA Piper as 2021 winners of the IBA Group Member Awards for Europe and Africa. The awards were given in recognition of these law firms’ exceptional support and contributions to the work, projects, key objectives and aspirations of the IBA.
IBA President Sternford Moyo, Chairman and Senior Partner of law firm Scanlen and Holderness in Zimbabwe commented: ‘The committed support of the awardees to the work of the IBA helps to shape the future of the legal profession throughout the globe. Each firm is a shining example of how dedicated legal professionals positively impact our profession and consequently society in general because law touches every aspect of every life. Their steadfast support enhances IBA outreach and increases the Association’s impact. We are delighted to recognise the achievements of these international law firms with our 2021 Group Member Awards’.
IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis said: ‘The pragmatic ways in which the 2021 cohort of IBA Group Member awardees brings about positive change through myriad conversations, new policy implementations and collaborations is inspiring. The commitment of these firms to, and support of, the work of the IBA encourages bolder projects and actions. The Association is fortunate indeed to have such active committed supporters, and so today we thank them and celebrate their contributions’.
In alphabetical order, the Europe and Africa 2021 IBA Group Member Awards went to:
Baker McKenzie for an extraordinary internal campaign promoting the IBA, which highlighted the Association’s work advancing the rule of law and tackling access to justice issues. The campaign encouraged its lawyers to get involved with the IBA. This action has resulted in 4,580 Baker McKenzie lawyers being brought into the IBA fold.
Ed Poulton, Managing Partner at Baker McKenzie London, commented, ‘I am extremely proud to accept this Group Member Award on behalf of Baker McKenzie for our work supporting the International Bar Association. This has resulted in more than 4,500 of our people engaging with the IBA, ensuring greater depth and diversity of membership for the Association and supporting its commitment to upholding and promoting the rule of law.'
Clifford Chance for wholeheartedly embracing the IBA report Us Too? Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession and incorporating its findings into an internal diversity and inclusion campaign across its global network of offices.
Michael Bates, Regional Managing Partner, UK at Clifford Chance, commented: ‘It is an honour to receive this IBA Group Member Award on behalf of Clifford Chance, recognising the efforts we made to support the IBA Bullying and Sexual Harassment Report with a powerful year-long campaign across our global network and externally into the industry. It is crucial that we maintain momentum to drive real change and improve people's lived experiences, both in our firm and across our industry, and wider stakeholder groups. This requires educating and empowering people to report and tackle instances of bad behaviour – because protecting the rights of individuals lies at the very heart of what it means to practice law.’
IMMMA Advocates and DLA Piper for co-sponsoring and supporting IBA events in Africa on harassment and sextortion, in particular raising awareness that sexual exploitation is a global issue woefully lacking representation as a criminal practice in law.
Sadock Dotto Magai, Managing Partner at IMMMA Advocates, commented: ‘Our involvement [in the project] opened our eyes and created awareness to understand the danger of sextortion as a crime of corruption and sexual exploitation of vulnerable people. We shall continue to be ambassadors in the United Republic of Tanzania to promote awareness of sextortion’.
Charles Severs Managing Director for the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at DLA Piper, said: ‘DLA Piper is proud to support the IBA’s ongoing efforts to address bullying and sexual harassment in the legal profession. We must all work to achieve safer and more supportive work environments where people feel that they belong, that their voice counts and that they can prosper’.
Eric Rugundu IBA Client Relationship Manager for Group Members said: ‘It is my honour and privilege to work so closely with these 2021 Group Member Awards recipients. Their ongoing support and generous contributions to IBA projects is a testament to each firm’s culture and values.’
The awards were presented at the 4th London Law Firm Management Conference on Thursday 18th November 2021 by IBA Deputy Executive Director Tim Hughes.
ENDS