'The Pro Bono and Corporate Social Responsibility programmes are concrete manifestations of how we position ourselves in the market and represent a strong contribution towards the community which we are part of, while offering us all the opportunity to develop as a team with a common, unifying goal' - Margarida Couto, Pro Bono Partner.
VdA has developed a growing number of Pro Bono projects, providing legal advice to various organizations who develop socio-cultural and educational activities for those in need.
In 2007 the firm’s Pro Bono commitment to the community was formalised, materializing the ethical and social imperative of contributing to a better access to high quality legal services by those individuals and organizations dedicated to relevant social work who cannot afford the costs. At the same time, we launched a Corporate Social Responsibility Programme that embodies our values and fosters VdA’s contribution to sustainable development.
VdA is one of the first among the large independent Portuguese firms to create a Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Programme (SRP), meaning: - The adoption of a formal Pro Bono and SRP Policy for which an annual budget is set aside, comprising a set financial contribution and a minimum number of hours devoted to pro bono and SRP activities by VdA staff members
- The approval of a Pro Bono and SR Programme, which pinpoints objectives for the coming year and establishes a clear assessment matrix
- The creation of a Pro Bono committee, whict the task of defining the Pro Bono and Social Responsibility programmes and the execution of Pro Bono and SRP at VdA
Within our Pro Bono and Corporate Responsibility Programme, we are committed to provide unpaid legal support to various Social Security Foundations and other organizations carrying out support programmes for the needy.
With our SRP, we also aim to develop our staff individual goals as citizens and to contribute to a working environment based on the three-pronged values of solidarity, mutual help and sharing.
VdA assists in a variety of socially innovative projects, including working closely with Entreajuda, Aprender a Empreender, the association for young entrepreneurs, Associação Nacional de Direito and Fundação PT on various initiatives.
An ambitious sustainability plan is currently being developed, with a focus on eco-efficiency.
For more information on this subject, please contact our Pro Bono Partner, Margarida Couto.
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