Corporate Social Responsibility
Morton Fraser is great to work with and great to work for.
In achieving this we constantly strive to ensure we attain our business objectives by operating and behaving in ways that benefit employees, the community and the wider environment.
We have a dedicated “Giving Something Back” forum which provides a focal point for our community activities, including: support for charities, environmental policies and wider community benefit. Employee interest in this forum is high, with widespread involvement from staff and Partners.
Examples of this activity include:
Charities - We provide support to charities in a variety of ways. We donate to a number of charitable organisations, as well as getting actively involved in fundraising through various events and activities, from sporting events to fund-raising auctions. Each year the firm’s staff selects a principal charity for the year. We have supported charities including: The Bethany Trust, St Columba's Hospice in Edinburgh and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow. We aim to raise over £10,000 a year.
Pro-bono work - we assist a number of charities through the provision of legal advice in situations where there are legitimate financial constraints. In addition we also support the Citizens’ Advice Bureau with solicitor advisors, and provide meeting facilities to charity clients.
Placements and training - We offer a work experience programme in which school pupils undertake a week of learning in our office, gaining experience of a wide range of legal practice areas. We promote this programme actively, and combine it with school visits and other initiatives (including our support for the Scottish Schools Law Project) to inspire and encourage aspiring lawyers, as well as to increase the diversity of the profession. Many of our lawyers are involved in professional training through the uiniversities and CPD providers.
Environment - We make every effort to limit the environmental impact of our business and we have a range of initiatives in place to achieve this, such as providing extensive recycling facilities, implementing paperlight working procedures, and encouraging the use of walking, cycling, and public transport for both commuting and business trips. We are also members of the Legal Sector Alliance, a group of law firms who are committed to sharing ideas about reducing our impact on the environment.
The RGA Trust - The RGA Family Trust has been established in memory of Roderick Alexander and his daughter. The Trust aims to help children and young people under the age of 25 who are vulnerable, ill, suffering from any form of physical or mental disability, or are socially, financially or otherwise disadvantaged. It also exists to assist the research, alleviation and support of those suffering from neurological conditions, as well as their families.
Morton Fraser Charitable Trust - This Trust was established in 1985 to allow people owning or inheriting assets which they did not wish to retain but which would be difficult to realise the opportunity to donate them to charity. Donations are made from the Trust annually to charities whose main purpose is one of the following: care of the elderly, benefit of young persons, medical research or the provision of education.
