Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy (A&O) are one of a small group of truly international and integrated law firms. With a network of 28 offices in 20 countries, they have over 5,000 staff, including some 2,600 lawyers and over 470 partners. 

Allen & Overy's responsible business practice extends across four key areas:

People

In March 2007  A & O held their first Diversity Week in London, to encourage people to think about what diversity and inclusion means at A&O and to raise awareness in an informative and entertaining way.  Hundreds of staff (and some clients) attended the events run by experts on a wide range of topics.

Community

The pro bono and community affairs programme has continued to grow with more offices developing their own programmes, and greater levels of staff participation. In total A & O's lawyers recorded approximately 46,000 hours of pro bono and community service during the year with 59% of lawyers participating.

Environment

A & O's objective is to measure and understand their environmental impact (collectively and individually), to inform and educate all employees about it and to set themselves achievable goals for reducing their environmental impact (rather than offsetting it). The publication of Allen & Overy’s Allen & Overy's 2006 Environmental Report (1166 kb)  demonstrates the importance they attach to their impact on the environment.

Marketplace

A & O understand that because of their size and nature of their firm they have a considerable impact on the local marketplace. In London they have signed a Social Compact with Tower Hamlets Local Authority. As a result they are committed to giving workshops and holding meetings to advise local suppliers on how to respond to tenders from themselves and other City firms.