The Power of Collaborative Pro Bono!A huge thank you to all our members who came out to mark Financial Institution Pro Bono Day (FIPBD) 2022. Collaborating with Weil Gotshal, we designed and delivered a day-long series of pro bono and volunteering activities at The Law Society. During the course of the event, more than 60 lawyers and business professionals across 14 financial institutions including Bank of America, Barclays, BNY Mellon, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co and Schroders took part to support around 45 long-term unemployed women referred by Dress for Success Greater London and 17 social entrepreneurs from UnLtd. It was wonderful get together in person and to share this pro bono experience. |
2022 Financial Institution Pro Bono Day Schedule of EventsDRESS FOR SUCCESS GREATER LONDON CAREER DEVELOPMENT MORNING For women who are long-term unemployed and have faced difficult circumstances. The aim is to equip the women with the skills and confidence to re-enter the workplace and secure meaningful employment. | ||
Time | Activity | Description |
09.00-09.20 | Arrivals | |
09.20-09.30 | Welcome | Rob Powell to formally welcome attendees |
09.30-10.15 | Speed networking | 2-3 volunteers will host a table and DFS women (candidates) will visit the table and spend around five minutes interviewing the volunteers about their job, their career, and what a typical day in their role looks like. Volunteers are required to put the candidates at ease, share their career journey, and answer any questions they may have. |
10.15-10.45 | CV workshop | Working in small groups, volunteers will ask their candidate to talk them through their CV (hard copies will be available on the day) before discussing ways in which they could strengthen it |
10.45-11.00 | BREAK | |
11.00-11.45 | Mock Interviews | In small groups, volunteers act as ‘employer’ and interview a candidate for a role. The aim is to simulate a real-life interview and we encourage volunteers to make it as real as possible. Using the candidate’s CV as a guide, volunteers ask a range of competency-based questions and strength-based questions. |
11.45-12.00 | Wrap up and close | Wider group discussion |
12.00-13.00 | LUNCH | A hot buffet lunch will be served – volunteers and DFS candidate are welcome to stay – arrivals from UnLtd expected at this time – DFS candidates and morning volunteers depart after lunch |
UNLTD SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SUPPORT AFTERNOON For innovative social entrepreneurs to meet, connect and network with lawyers and business professionals to seek guidance and information to grow their enterprise | ||
13.00-13.45 | Speed networking – practice your elevator pitch | An opportunity for social entrepreneurs to connect with business professionals, hone their elevator pitch and seek feedback |
14.45-14.00 | BREAK | |
14:00-14.45 | Topic Tasters: Group Discussions | Volunteers required to lead 2 x 20 minute group discussions on one of the following topics: i) Managing volunteers ii) Reviewing board performance, structures and engagement iii) Changing/updating governing documents iv) Establishing trading subsidiaries |
15.00-16.30 | Growth Clinic | The Growth Clinic brings together lawyers and business professionals with different areas of expertise to provide on-the-spot guidance and information to entrepreneurs with a legal/tech/operational challenge. Volunteers will be sent the queries in advance along with the names of the businesses and high-level info on the nature of the business’ activities. The entrepreneurs will be required to sign a disclaimer to confirm that the information they receive doesn’t constitute as legal advice. |
16.30-17.00 | Drinks and networking | All volunteers throughout the day are welcome – including members of the In-house Pro Bono Group who weren’t able to attend |