Access to justice

We see equality in the ability to access justice as fundamental to the upholding of the rule of law.

When access is unequal, people can find it difficult to navigate the rules that govern their lives and some of their interactions with the rest of society and to secure remedies when others break the law. As a result, their confidence and stake in the rule of law diminishes. Over time the rule of law is undermined.

Our global pro bono practice tackles many of the barriers that prevent people from accessing justice. We provide free legal advice and representation in deprived communities around the world. We support strategic litigation aimed at unlocking access to basic rights for minority groups and others suffering from discrimination.

Highlights

Reflections on a transgender asylum case

"I could never have imagined how profoundly I was affected by it. Karina is a profile in courage. No one in her community could even be openly homosexual, let alone transgender. But she knew in her heart who she wanted to become and where she needed to live in order to do that."

Washington, DC Partner Jessica Springsteen reflects on a recent transgender asylum case which had a profound effect on her.

Clifford Chance supports launch of the Black Equity Organisation, the UK’s new national Black British civil rights organisation

We've collaborated with five law firms to assist with the development and launch of the Black Equity Organisation (BEO), a new national and independent civil rights group created to advance justice and equity for Black people in Britain.

Chinwe Odimba-Chapman, Executive Leadership Group Member and Global Partner for Talent at Clifford Chance said: "The BEO vision and plan to advance equity for Black communities in the UK is as necessary and urgent as it is compelling."

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Upholding human rights

For trainee Joseph Sherlock, whose interest in law was sparked by reading about Guantanamo Bay, the opportunity to do pro bono work for human rights NGO Reprieve was too good to miss.

In an interview for our 2021 Inclusion Report, Joseph shares what the work involved, why he wanted to help, and the importance of secondments for trainees.

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Clifford Chance's Evan Cohen joins US law firm leaders to stand behind Clean Slate NY Act

Due to their conviction records, millions of New Yorkers are kept from accessing life essentials like employment and housing. If passed, the Clean Slate Act would end the long-term consequences of a conviction record by establishing an automatic process for sealing most records after the requirements of the criminal legal system have been met. Clifford Chance and other law firms join an ever-expanding coalition that includes labor unions, business leaders and faith leaders, in support of the bill.

Clifford Chance presents Dicta: Meet Harbani Kaur Ahuja

Does every Supreme Court case contain a poem? ICAAD Artist in Residence Harbani Ahuja spoke with Kaitlin Scagluso from our New York office about her legal poetry series, Dicta - where Harbani creates found poetry in Supreme Court decisions, illuminating the broader social justice themes from the lens of a public interest advocate and woman of colour.

We’re proud to sponsor our global pro bono partner ICAAD on the immersive virtual Dicta exhibit, which combines poetry, law and art to inspire activism in pursuit of social justice.

Clifford Chance chooses environmental protection charity Plan Vivo as winner of its inaugural Sustainable Development Goals award

Plan Vivo, based in Scotland, will receive a £50,000 donation and 500 hours of pro bono support over an 18-month period to support the next stage of its growth, in particular, its ability to measure and evaluate impact and better incorporate the inclusion of marginalised groups at the project design stage.

In supporting the practical execution of Plan Vivo's objectives, Clifford Chance, will deploy expertise from across the firm, drawing on the experience of lawyers and business services employees, drawing from a wide range of relevant skills and practices.

2022 Responsible Business Report

Our reporting for the year 2021/2022 showcases how our Responsible Business strategy is deeply embedded in our daily work. We take this opportunity to thank our clients (paying and pro bono) and recognise our people, whose efforts make Clifford Chance a leading international law firm known for the quality of the advice that we deliver and the responsible way that we deliver it.

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The latest points of view from our people on our responsible business activities

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Mapping our objectives

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