CBP Foundation

Our core focus is to promote and protect the rights of women, children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At Colin Biggers & Paisley we recognise the vital role we play in advancing reconciliation. We are committed to using our skills, knowledge, and influence to help build an inclusive society.

As a legal practice, we are dedicated to promoting and protecting the legal rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a focus on access to justice, the rule of law, equality, and non-discrimination. We support education and training initiatives, offer career opportunities, and leverage our business expertise to provide a range of pro bono services.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) guides our strategic approach to reconciliation. Since launching our first RAP during Reconciliation Week in 2019, we have formalised our commitment to improving access to justice and creating job opportunities. In 2023, we launched our Innovate RAP, which strengthens existing partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, expands our programs, and explores new opportunities for collaboration, all while engaging our people and stakeholders in the reconciliation journey.

In FY2024 20% of pro bono work was undertaken on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations.

Employment

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have equitable opportunities to grow and develop their careers. We believe that strengthening equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential for building the best teams and enhancing the legal profession. Our goal is to create a workplace where cultural celebration is an integral part of our business. By providing our people with the knowledge and understanding of different cultures and histories, we empower them to become active champions of reconciliation—both within our firm and in the wider community. onments.

Indigenous Employment Strategy

Our strategy sets out our commitment to providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with opportunities for sustainable employment, career development, training, support, mentoring and culturally sensitive work environments.

Read our strategy

Indigenous Cadetship Program

We are committed to investing in the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students. Our cadetship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students offers students a paid opportunity to build skills and gain valuable practical experience. The program is part of Colin Biggers & Paisley's Indigenous Engagement Strategy, which seeks to increase the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the law.

How it works

A legal cadet at Colin Biggers & Paisley will be a part-time employee for the duration of their law degree. Cadets will work one or two days per week in our Sydney office, with flexibility around their availability each semester.

Cadets are given the opportunity to work in multiple practice areas and gain practical on-the-job training and skills development. Cadets will be supported to participate in training and professional development opportunities including attendances at courses and conferences. Cadets will be mentored and supported through their law degree.

Learn more about the program

First Cadet

Andria Symington

In 2022 we were pleased to welcome our first cadet Andria Symington. Andria is a proud Kaurareg woman from Thursday Island, currently living on Darkinjung Country (NSW Central Coast). When starting with us, Andria was a third-year law student at Macquarie University and began her time with us working in the Knowledge and Precedents team assisting with a number of important behind the scenes tasks before rotating in to the Pro Bono & Responsible Business team.

Andria's experience

Reconciliation Action Plan committee

Nick Crennan

Managing Partner

Dunstan de Souza

Senior Partner

Vijay Edwards

Partner

Dr Andrew Murray

Deputy Managing Partner

Tamara Sims

Head of Pro Bono and Responsible Business

Stephen Thompson

Partner

Daisy Johnson - Responsible Business Manager

Services

Services

Industries

Industries

Insights

Latest Insights

An appeal to the District Court of Queensland against convictions for the contravention of enforcement notices and a local law is dismissed.

The Land Court of Queensland considers whether the limits of compensation for out of pocket costs and expenses, as well as damage done to land, are to be the subject of a preliminary determination.

Careers