Press Release
25 February 2008
McGrigors wins CSR Firm of the Year at Scottish Legal Awards
UK law firm McGrigors LLP has been named Scotland’s CSR Firm of the Year at this year’s Scottish Legal Awards.
The firm was recognised for its Horizons programme – its active support of charities and pro bono work.
McGrigors contributes to several charitable organisations across the UK, such as Project Scotland where the firm's staff work as mentors for volunteers aged 16–25.
The longest running project in which McGrigors is involved is The Mark Scott Foundation which addresses divisive issues in society by bringing together young people from different backgrounds across Scotland.
Launched in April 2006, McGrigors’ Horizons programme has so far enabled staff to contribute 3,776 hours of voluntary and pro bono work. The value of this work, in addition to donations made to local and national charities, brings McGrigors' total financial contribution to a value of £341,597. Activities are planned and co-ordinated by a team of 36 representatives drawn from the firm’s five UK offices.
McGrigors undertakes its corporate social responsibilities by: encouraging all staff to be active in volunteering to help worthwhile causes; offering CSR policy information to clients; engaging with local charities and by offering pro-bono legal advice where appropriate.
Kirk Murdoch, McGrigors’ senior partner in Scotland and chairman of the firm’s Horizons steering committee, said: “As a prominent Scottish business it is our duty to support charities which we feel can have the greatest impact. We encourage every member of staff to contribute to the programme and to use their skills for the benefit of those worthwhile causes.”
The Cuthbert Scottish Legal Awards, founded in 2001 by Cuthbert Recruitment and sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate, recognises the nation’s most talented and aspiring lawyers. The judges include Dr Andrew Cubie and Andrew Sturgess, Chair of the Institute of Directors in Scotland.
Rebecca Davies, Director of Cuthbert Recruitment, the founders of the awards commented: “These awards recognise both Scotland’s legal elite and the aspiring rising stars of the profession. The process involved is rigorous, meticulous and totally independent. These winners are valid and important examples of business excellence. Congratulations to all the recipients.”
The Cuthbert Scottish Legal Awards were created to recognise, reward and celebrate all those practising in Scottish Law. The awards, considered ‘the Oscars’ of the legal profession, are an established highlight of the Scottish Legal Calendar.
THE JUDGING PANEL
Margo MacDonald MSP (Chair)
Colin More, Bank of Scotland Corporate
John D Campbell QC FCIArb
Michael Lugton, Chief Executive, Scottish Law Commission
Robert Pirrie, Chief Executive, The WS Society
Valerie Stacey QC, Vice Dean Faculty of Advocates
Dr Andrew Cubie CBE FRSE LLD WS
Tom Wood QPM MSc Special adviser on drugs and alcohol to City of Edinburgh
David Lee, Assistant Editor, The Scotsman
John Ferguson, Director of Development, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
Andrew Sturgess, Chairman Institute of Directors, Scotland
Geraldine Gammell, Director, Princes’ Trust Scotland
Professor Tom Mullen, Glasgow University
Alastair Northrop, Editor, Scottish Business Insider
For further information please contact:
Andy Peat
Communications Manager
Telephone - +44 (0) 20 7054 2710
Mobile - +44 (0) 7894 835 386
Email - andy.peat@mcgrigors.com