Our social impact

We are proud to contribute towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, making a positive impact in our communities and supporting those who are working on solving social challenges.  

We address some of these communities’ most pressing problems by applying our knowledge and experience through pro bono work, volunteering and creating partnerships with likeminded organisations. 

Globally, CMS partners with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The international organisation provides emergency medical relief in areas racked by crisis, war and natural catastrophes. MSF helps people quickly, effectively and unbureaucratically, irrespective of their race, religion or political orientation.

Across CMS, we raise funds and carry out pro bono work to support the vital work that MSF is doing such as running clinics, building nutritional centres for children, initiating vaccination campaigns and providing refugees with medication, clean drinking water, sanitary facilities and blankets. 

 

Below is a selection of some of our initiatives around the world:

Helping promote peaceful and inclusive societies

  • In Austria, we provide humanitarian assistance to refugees through donations and pro bono legal advice.
  • In the Netherlands, we are a member of Pro Bono Connect, an organisation that acts as an intermediary between non-governmental organisations and law firms.

Helping ensure healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages

  • In Belgium, we support the Belgian Foundation against Cancer with pro bono legal advice.
  • In Colombia, we support community and health workers through pro bono work for Redspira, a citizens’ initiative that supports the manufacturing of medical devices for health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In France, we support Etoille de Martin, an organisation that fights pediatric cancers.
  • In the Netherlands, we support NL Cares, an organisation which increases social involvement by organising meetings of volunteers with people from disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
  • In Russia we regularly support Maria’s Children, DownSideUp and other charitable foundations.
  • In Scotland, we support Marie Curie, which provides care and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families, with pro bono legal advice.

Helping ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all 

  • In Chile, we provide pro bono legal advice to Fundación Alto Las Condes. The Foundation encourages investing in education and the necessary tools and values for young people with limited resources in Santiago. 
  • In Germany, we support the European Law Students' Association – an academically-oriented non-profit, international association of law students, with the aim of promoting academic training and enabling an international exchange of ideas.
  • In Monaco, we support Children & Future, an organisation that promotes and defends children’s rights worldwide by implementing or supporting projects that improve their living conditions in terms of health, education, hygiene and nutrition.

Helping promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

  • In France, we partner with NQT to help young graduates from disadvantaged social backgrounds to succeed professionally through a programme of coaching, advising and organisational support.
  • In Spain, our lawyers lecture at the Centre for Participation and Integration (CEPI) in Madrid. This programme aims to equip new citizens with basic information about Spanish society, improving their knowledge of the legal system and supplying them with tools to gain access to employment. 
  • In the UK, we are a founding member of PRIME, an alliance of law firms across the UK committed to improving access to the legal profession through work experience.

Helping to end poverty in all its forms everywhere

  • In the UK, we are a founding partner of A4ID, a global charity providing access to the best legal advice for those NGOs engaged in the fight against global poverty. CMS have provided pro bono legal advice on nearly 100 projects, working with a range of international charities.