Our Impact

We have created an inclusive and diverse work environment, where people are valued and supported to thrive in their careers. Our Diversity Committee works tirelessly to promote an environment where people feel secure and respected.

In 2017, we launched our inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) providing a framework to formalise Jackson McDonald’s commitments towards reconciliation, and to encourage our firm to pursue and achieve new and better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities. We continue to cultivate strong and productive reconciliation relationships between our people, stakeholders and communities. We do this in recognition that engagement increases opportunities, visibility and networks. We also seek to encourage greater involvement and representation in the legal sector for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As we enter our third innovate RAP, we hope to deepen the learnings and accomplishments of previous plans while also staying committed to further growth. It is important to our firm that our people use their skills towards social justice. We are passionate about making a difference through reconciliation.

Our Reconciliation Working Group is a dynamic, collaborative team that continues to receive unwavering support from the Jackson McDonald leadership team. With representation spanning all practice groups and support teams, each area of our business is a part of reconciliation and can share our vision throughout their respective teams. The group meets regularly and seeks guidance and advice where appropriate from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community partners.

The Reconciliation Working Group continues to be led by our Reconciliation Champion, Emma Chinnery, Partner Corporate Commercial. Emma’s legal practice is committed to supporting the development and growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and enterprises across Western Australia. We invite our clients and networks to speak with us about how we can collaborate on reconciliation initiatives and outcomes.

To read our Innovate Reconciliation Acton Plan 2024 - 2026, click here. 

To read more about recent RAP activities, click here.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

In 2017, over 250 Indigenous leaders gathered at Uluru to create a historic call for justice, recognition, and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The result: the Uluru Statement from the Heart – a powerful vision for Australia’s future, built on truth, recognition, and respect. 

Almost 8 years on, we to stand in support of the Uluru Statement and a constitutionally enshrined voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in federal parliament. We recognise the importance of change for our First Nations clients and employees and by endorsing the Statement’s vision for a Voice to Parliament, truth-telling and treaty, we reinforce its commitment to justice, recognition and empowerment of Indigenous communities. 

We have a long and proud history of helping those in need. Our Community Committee is responsible for managing the firm’s community work, which includes fund raising, volunteering activities and developing ongoing relationships to support disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and groups, charities, and not-for-profit organisations.

Fundraising

Fundraising for organisations like:

Pro Bono

Our pro bono work is a testament to our core values and our ongoing pursuit of a more equitable world. Through our pro bono initiatives, we strive to ensure that access to justice is a fundamental right for all.

Supporting organisations like:

Formal participation in:

• Jackson McDonald was a foundation member of Australian Legal Sector Alliance (AusLSA). Established in 2010 AusLSA is an industry-led association working collaboratively to promote sustainable practices across the legal sector. AusLSA’s framework requires members to be accountable for meeting agreed standard across four key areas including governance, community, workplace and environment.
• City Switch, Australia’s flagship sustainability program for business.
• World Environment Day and Earth Hour.
• Planet Arc’s close the loop recycling program for toxic photocopier cartridges.

To reduce energy wastage, we have implemented:

• Air-conditioner timers to reduce energy wastage.
• Light fittings that automatically dim when there is outside light coming in, and automatically switch off after 60 minutes of inactivity.
• Industry standard blinds to shade our offices in summer and increase light and warmth in winter.
• Electrical items with energy saving and standby modes.
• Use of recycled paper and mandated compulsory double-sided printing.
• Use of rechargeable batteries.

Over the past 12 months these initiatives have seen a reduction in:

• Our carbon dioxide emissions by over 100 tonnes.
• Our paper consumption by 30kg a person per year (by our calculations we estimate that each staff member is using 12 fewer reams of paper per year which equates to 162 trees)