This is not just about doing the right thing, though that is important to us, too.

The advantages this brings are clear. We will be able to attract and retain the best people. We will all develop as individuals through expanding our horizons beyond our commercial role. We will foster even closer and more trusting relationships with our clients – especially when we undertake joint CR activities. And we can make a real difference to the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves.

Our CR strategy is underpinned by our Principles and has three main strands – people, community and the environment.

Our people strategy looks inwardly at our responsibilities to our employees, particularly with regard to the critical themes of development and diversity.

Our community strategy embraces not only our charitable and volunteering initiatives but also our pro bono activity. Three themes lie at its heart – increasing access to justice, access to finance and access to education. The Clifford Chance Foundation also supports these three areas.

Our environment strategy recognises the impact our business has on the environment, as well as ensures we stand up to the scrutiny of our clients, whom we often advise on such matters.

Each year we issue a Corporate Responsibility Report which charts how we as a Firm have performed against the targets we set ourselves. These targets are ambitious and pretty tough to achieve in what are challenging economic times - but that's no bad thing. It's only through stretching ourselves that we will be recognised as a leader and a pioneer in corporate responsibility among our peers.