Leading Australian law firm Maddocks has provided up to 100 hours of pro bono work for the Property Industry Foundation – equating to nearly $60K of support in the last financial year.
Their team has advised the Foundation on a range of legal matters, including property, construction and commercial advice, to support delivery of housing for homeless youth, and to establish the Furniture Fund.
Pro Bono Work
Legal advice is crucial in the process of designing and building secure homes for at risk youth. “Our commitment to pro bono work stems from our overarching purpose of making a real difference in the community in which we live and work,” says Maddocks partner Simone Holding. “Providing free legal services is one of the avenues through which we live out this commitment. Our team takes pride in providing practical and expert legal guidance to the Property Industry Foundation, leveraging our expertise to support the construction and delivery of housing, and helping to establish initiatives like the Furniture Fund. Working alongside the Foundation is not just professionally fulfilling; it’s a testament to the impact our legal support has in achieving their vital goals of providing safe housing for homeless youth.”
Committee Contributions
Another way Maddocks gives back is through offering invaluable knowledge and experience as members of our committees. Maddocks Partner Bettina Sheeran is a valued member of our VIC State Board of Advisors and Nitaya Nicholson, a Lawyer in the Maddocks property development team is an active member of the Future Leaders Committee. “As a Board member at the Property Industry Foundation, my involvement extends beyond legal expertise to a deep commitment to ending youth homelessness,” says Bettina. “With two children of my own, I place great value on the mission of the Foundation. My role on the board has allowed me to channel my passion for property, while contributing to an initiative that delivers tangible and impactful outcomes that genuinely help to change people’s lives. As an active and enthusiastic member of the Victorian Future Leaders Committee, Nitaya has been able to leverage her expertise in a rewarding way, while also meeting some fantastic people and supporting the goals of the Foundation.”
Event Support
Maddocks are strong supporter of Foundation events in Victoria, in particular Steps for Homeless Youth held at Albert Park Lake this year on 10 May and the toiletries wrap day held on 21 August in Melbourne. “Our people are embedded in the property and construction industry and participating in Foundation events allows us to provide a rewarding contribution,” says Maddocks Client Development Manager Jennifer King. “The events are so important to fundraising, profile building and the overall success of the Foundation and we know that our contribution will have a genuine and meaningful impact on the youth that the Property Industry Foundation supports. Events are also a fantastic way to spend time with clients and peers, whilst simultaneously helping others.”
Ultimately, Maddocks hopes to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people, says CEO David Newman. “We know we can affect positive change through our industry expertise and this underpins our unwavering commitment to pro bono work. Partnering with the Property Industry Foundation is a shared journey towards ending youth homelessness. Safe housing is a universal right, and by aligning our strengths in property and construction with the Foundation’s important goal, we strive to create a future where every young person has safe housing in a time of need.”
