Herbert Smith Freehills Executive Counsel, Shivchand Jhinku, has been announced the 2018 winner of the firm’s Keith Steele Pro Bono Leadership Medal. Shivchand was presented with the Medal at the firm’s annual Pro Bono Lunch in Sydney on 7 September 2018.
The Medal, which recognises individuals from within the firm who have made an outstanding contribution to the pro bono sector, was established in 2011 to honour the memory and vision of Keith Steele, a lauded former Freehills partner and founding member of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee.
In announcing the Keith Steele Pro Bono Leadership Medal winner on Friday, Herbert Smith Freehills partner and Chair of the Global Pro Bono and Citizenship Council, Peter Butler, said Shivchand was well-deserving of the award, which recognises his exceptional commitment and outstanding contribution over many years to the firm’s pro bono practice and clients.
“Shivchand, your dedication to cause is undeniable; over the years you have given your valuable time and expertise to a great range of pro bono clients, going above and beyond to assist the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community.
“You have become a trusted and loyal advisor to these clients, who come back time and time again asking for your advice and guidance. This in itself is testimony to the true value you add both personally and professionally to each and every one of them.”
Peter continued, ”On behalf of all partners at the firm, and the Global Pro Bono and Citizenship Council, I want to thank you for your contribution and your ongoing efforts, and to say, congratulations!”
Shivchand joined the firm in 2000 and is a highly regarded and accomplished member of the firm’s Employment, IR and Safety team. During his time with Herbert Smith Freehills he has worked with a great many pro bono clients in each of the firm’s priority areas – homelessness, disability and reconciliation.
By assisting these pro bono clients with enterprise agreements, helping them navigate tricky and complex Board and CEO negotiations, drafting and amending employment contracts and assisting with the employment law aspects of complicated mergers between charities, Shivchand contributes in a major way to the firm’s belief that everyone should have access to legal advice and representation.
Herbert Smith Freehills Australian Pro Bono Lead, Emma Maple-Brown, said that Shivchand is a most worthy person to join the impressive ranks of those who have won the Keith Steele Pro Bono Leadership Medal since 2011.
“Through quiet and thoughtful leadership, Shivchand has contributed immensely to Herbert Smith Freehills' pro bono practice during his career. Shivchand combines his legal expertise with a sincere interest in and commitment to his clients and, in this way, has a significant impact on helping the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community. He is a most worthy recipient of the Keith Steele Pro Bono Leadership Medal.
“We have a very strong pro bono culture at Herbert Smith Freehills and Shivchand is an excellent example of our pro bono culture in action. He is a remarkable pro bono leader who has done much to ensure the long-term success of the firm’s pro bono work by encouraging other lawyers to be involved.”
The Keith Steele Pro Bono Leadership Medal was established to honour the memory of a great Herbert Smith Freehills friend and former partner Keith Steele. Keith was a senior litigator and also held executive positions within the firm.
Keith was also a passionate leader in the pro bono practice, and among many of his fine achievements, he co-founded the firm’s Pro Bono Committee in Sydney and The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre.
About Herbert Smith Freehills
Operating from 27 offices across Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice. The firm provides many of the world’s most important organisations with access to market-leading dispute resolution, projects and transactional legal advice, combined with expertise in a number of global industry sectors, including Banks, Consumer products, Energy, Financial buyers, Infrastructure & Transport, Mining, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Real estate, TMT and Manufacturing & Industrials.
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