DRAGON AWARDS: Clifford Chance's school links praised

The pro bono work of magic circle firm Allen & Overy in helping young people in east London was recognised at the annual Dragon Awards last week.

The firm won the local regeneration award, while Clifford Chance received a special certificate of commendation in the London partnership category for its work with a primary school in east London.

The Dragon Awards, now in their 16th year, aim to encourage firms across London to become involved in the regeneration of their local community, notably through education, training and employment initiatives.

Allen & Overy works in the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

It runs a reading and numeracy scheme at a primary school in Tower Hamlets involving 150 volunteers.

It also organises a secondary school mentoring scheme involving students from three other schools.

In addition, it runs a diversity mentoring pilot scheme, has provided 40 volunteers who have become governors of disadvantaged schools, and has produced a young citizen's passport and citizenship textbook among other community projects.

Clifford Chance was recognised for its seven-year partnership with a primary school in Tower Hamlets.

More than 100 volunteers read or play numbers games with children each week.

The judges said: 'Clifford Chance is unusual in the length and depth of its partnership with [the school], the consistency and commitment of their volunteers, the relationship they have formed with both children and teachers, and the status of the volunteering programme at the heart of the firm's community affairs ethos.'