NLJ this week: Charitable thanks but no thanks? Pro bono matters & healthy habits at work

First up, when can charities lawfully refuse or return donations (where, for example, acceptance could result in reputational harm)? Neasa Coen, partner at Payne Hicks Beach, covers Charity Commission guidance and case law on this fascinating and topical issue.

Coen writes that high-value artistic works have been returned and substantial donations refused, for example, Save the Children refused £750,000 from Neptune Energy.

Next, Bryony Wells, director of development at Advocate, and Jessica Duxbury, associate, pro bono, Simmons & Simmons, set out the many pros and pluses of pro bono work. They write that pro bono not only makes a huge difference to the lives of clients but also benefits the lawyers, firms and chambers that do the work. Examples given include that it can ‘deepen relationship with commercial clients’ and can be used ‘to support applications to panels’.

Completing the trio, Elizabeth Rimmer, chief executive of LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, offers practical tips on establishing healthy habits in the workplace. Rimmer writes: ‘Establishing these early on can help build your resilience and enable you to flourish in your legal career.’