Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has produced the first corporate social responsibility (CSR) report by a major City law firm.

The publication - based on CSR guidelines such as the Global Reporting Initiative - addresses the firm's approach to law and ethics, its community involvement including pro bono, and its environmental impact.


Partner Paul Watchman, the firm's CSR ombudsman, said many clients are now pressing suppliers to provide such information. Potential recruits are also keen to understand Freshfields' values. He added: 'We have been able to see how empowering it is for members of the firm. There is a sense of ownership.'


Mr Watchman said the firm wanted to be transparent. For example, it revealed that while more than half of its employees are women, just 14% of partners are female. It will introduce a mentoring scheme for female associates to address the issue.


No details are provided on ethnicity and disability, although Freshfields has set itself the target of providing complete figures in future.


Mr Watchman said one of the most difficult issues faced by firms is when to refuse an assignment on moral or ethical grounds. 'We would have to think long and hard [before] deciding to turn down a client.'


Link: www.freshfields.com/csr


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