Withers Bergman LLP

There is no single approach to philanthropy – giving means different things to different people. However you choose to share your wealth, your priority will be to make sure that your giving has as much impact as possible.

While many philanthropists have established their own foundations in order to give away wealth, others prefer to donate to existing causes, or to organise their giving through a donor-advised fund. For more and more of our clients, philanthropy is an important part of their lives, business and families.

There is no single approach: what you give and how will depend on your circumstances, passions and priorities. The constant is that every philanthropist wants their giving to be as effective as possible. This is where we can assist.

Helping you to help

We have been acting for successful people and their families for more than 100 years, representing many well-known names from around the world. In the UK alone we have represented 35% of the Sunday Times Giving List.

When a client asks us to assist with their philanthropic work, we begin by asking plenty of questions. Do you have a cause in mind that you would like to support? Is it a one-off project or an ongoing concern? What terms and conditions (for example naming rights) should we agree? Are you interested in the tax benefits of your gift? Would you like your family to be involved? Like many of you, we are truly global – with one of the largest charity and philanthropy teams worldwide. We can support you with all types of giving, including to develop innovative solutions for cross-border giving.

When a client asks us to assist with their philanthropic work, we get to know you by asking plenty of questions. Are you looking to fund a range of projects or do you have a particular cause in mind? Is it a one-off project or would you like to create a lasting legacy? Would you like your family to be involved in your giving? Do you want to be engaged or perhaps more private?

Looking to the future

In getting to know your giving priorities, we can advise on the most suitable method of giving. We will advise you on tax and succession planning and can call on our global network of contacts to align you with suitable partners in the giving sector. Over time we can help you to expand your philanthropic activities, or bring the next generation on board.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to enhancing diversity within the workplace.

We recognize and value the benefits that a diverse workforce can bring to the organization. Diversity is not limited to gender and ethnicity, and includes factors such as religion or belief, disability, age, marital status and sexual orientation. All our employees and Partners are responsible for the promotion and advancement of equality and diversity within the Firm.

Much of our work on diversity in the last three years has been about putting good monitoring tools in place to ensure that we understand where the gaps are within our workforce, making changes to our strategies and communicating our policy on equal opportunities and diversity to our staff and training those involved in managing and recruiting others.

Since 2002, Withers has experienced a period of growth. The expansion of our client base has highlighted our clients' need for a highly skilled and diverse workforce. The business need to support diversity is evident and Chris Priestley (a Partner in our Commercial group) has been nominated to ensure that Diversity is high on the partnership agenda.

Diversity Audit

In 2006 we undertook our first diversity audit of our workforce, monitoring age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and disability. New joiners are monitored on an ongoing basis. Our diversity statistics are published below.

Communication of our commitment to Diversity

Each year our staff are asked to acknowledge their understanding of and commitment to the Firm’s Equal Opportunities Policy as part of our annual audit.

Our Supervisors and Partners receive training to ensure they understand their obligations in implementing our equal opportunity policy in the workplace.

In addition, all interview panelists are trained in the Firm’s approach to diversity and given guidance on our structured skill based approach to interviewing.

Promotion and Access to Development

Opportunities for promotion are communicated and made available to all staff on a fair and equal basis. A skills framework is used in all promotion, appraisal, and pay discussions to ensure a consistent and fair approach across the Firm.

Selection of candiates for promotion to 'Of Counsel or Partner' status is undertaken by a panel of Withers Partners, whose selection decisions are based upon technical expertise and pre-defined partner competencies.

Training is made available to all staff and Partners in line with our business needs. Training needs are recognized formally via our appraisal process, which is objective and skill based, to ensure a fair and equal approach.

Recognition for Diversity

Withers was ranked 2nd (out of the top 100 law firms) for having a high percentage of female equity partners in The Lawyer Career Report Survey 2006.

Withers also ranked 2nd (out of the top 50 firms) for Diversity with respect to women and ranked 1st for Diversity with respect for Gay and Lesbians in the Vault survey 2006.