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This 125-year-old law firm's clients helped it to play a part in the battle against Covid-19. Withers advises some of the richest individuals and families in the world, usually on matters such as property and business deals, divorce and setting up charitable foundations.
After the pandemic started, the firm assisted clients on a pro bono basis to help the National Health Service through initiatives such as Salute the NHS, which provided one million meals for key workers. Withers also supported a number of clients in the creation of a vaccine and offered advice to NHS Charities Together, a long-standing client.
Some of the team also made personal efforts to help the NHS. One of the partners sewed scrubs and another colleague cut 10 inches off her hair to raise funds. London-based Withers has more than 1,200 staff in total, in 17 offices in America and Asia as well as Europe, and generates annual turnover of £220 million.
Online events help to connect the global outposts. To lift spirits last June, the firm organised Withers Fest, a virtual music festival featuring staff, some of whom recited poetry or did magic tricks. Three events were held during the day, to suit the offices' different time zones.
The Withers Tree of Life has been launched to co-ordinate the firm's global sustainability efforts. It has 10 objectives, including reducing energy consumption, creating greener buildings and healthier places to work, and optimising transport methods.
