While we normally only have one substantive commercial discussion, I just wanted to add a few brief thoughts on this piece as I think it's so highly topical. I will caveat (quite heavily) here by saying that this is not so much based around commercial knowledge geared up for an interview, merely just a really interesting discussion point.
CSR for major corporates, as we know it, is comparatively novel. We also find ourselves in an era where the discussion surrounding equality (or, perhaps more aptly, equity - although I won't get into substantive discussion here) is more in the public eye than it has ever been in the past. This has lead to a definite intertwining of CSR and D&I issues as the topics become harder and harder to separate from one another in any meaningful way.
I find it very interesting that diversity and CSR within law firms themselves is now playing an increasing role in determining how, or even if, a corporate client will instruct a law firm; these factors are now being discussed in the same space as fee arrangements and added value for clients who seek legal advice. While I am of the opinion that (within reason) any catalyst for this sort of change is largely positive, I do wonder whether it could lead to the 'commoditising' of CSR/ D&I whereby change occurs for the wrong reasons and, as such, is only really superficial.
I would be really interested to hear some more thoughts on this!
