Hogan Lovells Launches Global Citizenship Policy

Hogan Lovells has launched a ground-breaking Global Citizenship Policy, which asks everyone at the firm to devote at least 25 hours a year to citizenship activities. Accommodations will be made so that everyone at the firm can take part in one or more activity – as part of their normal duties – that fits under one of the five overarching pillars of the firm's Citizenship program:

♦ Pro Bono

♦ Community Investment

♦ Diversity

♦ Environment

♦ Touch: Matched Charitable Giving

Activities could include anything from providing free legal advice to a social enterprise, to working with a local school. For lawyers at the firm the activity will involve the provision of pro bono legal services wherever possible. To track progress all members of the firm have been asked to record the time they spend on Citizenship activities.

Hogan Lovells CEO, Steve Immelt said:

"Exemplary Citizenship is an integral part of Hogan Lovells’ culture and strategy. Our shared belief in the value of social responsibility is one of the bonds that unify us as a global firm community.  We want to make a real difference to the local communities in which we are based and to engage all of our offices and people in our Citizenship programs.  This is a ground-breaking initiative and the first time that a law firm has set a target like this for every member of the firm. I am excited about the considerable impact that this could make in the communities where we work."

Barry Matthews, Director of Legal Affairs & Third Party Sales at ITV Commercial and Online added:
 
"I believe that it is important for businesses to demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back to the communities in which they work as a way of demonstrating true Citizenship.  At ITV we have a track record of embracing the concept of Citizenship working alongside our panel firms; one of the key programs in this initiative being the Legal Clinic we created with Hogan Lovells to help vulnerable people affected by HIV.  Hogan Lovells' renewed commitment to communities will make a huge impact to both the staff and the organizations to whom they devote their 25 hours."
 
The Samaritans in Hong Kong, a Hogan Lovells Citizenship partner, added:
 
"As a charity mainly supported by volunteers with limited funding and manpower, their [Hogan Lovells] assistance has been essential."
 
BMW AG Carl August von Kospoth , who is also CEO of the Foundation of the Eberhard von Kuenheim, speaks about the JOBLINGE project:
 
"For nearly four years now we have worked with Hogan Lovells to provide all legal advice and very competent counseling. Yet it is not noticeable at all that we "only" deal with a pro bono  service - we are taken very seriously as a client. Hogan Lovells has made a very big and important contribution."
 
David Rubino, Counsel in the Democracy Program at Demos, added:
 
"State governments must vigorously promote and protect [the freedom to vote] by ensuring that no barriers stand in the way of participation for eligible voters. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania was falling short in this regard… [and] litigation was the only way to ensure these issues were remedied. We were thrilled to have Hogan Lovells step up and offer their resources and legal talents as pro bono counsel in this important cause. With [their] help, we entered a comprehensive settlement agreement that will keep the state in compliance on voter registration matters for years to come."