Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, a prominent international law firm, has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access to Legal Education (IDIA) project. This collaboration aims to motivate law students to engage in social projects, marking the first time an international law firm has partnered with IDIA—a project focused on empowering underprivileged communities by fostering skilled advocates and leaders.
Chris Parsons, Chairman of the India Practice at Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership in a conversation with Bar & Bench. He stated, “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IDIA as part of our broader HSF Bridge initiative, which aims to connect law students with local social causes.”
Under this partnership, HSF will offer certifications as incentives to IDIA team leaders and members who demonstrate exceptional service. These distinguished volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions with HSF Partners. Parsons highlighted, “Outstanding volunteers will be invited to attend the upcoming annual HSF/Oxford Law international teaching programme hosted by NLU Delhi in March.”
Discussing the mission of the IDIA project, Parsons remarked, “IDIA is doing extraordinary work in making legal careers more accessible. Supporting this cause aligns with the objectives of the HSF Bridge initiative.” HSF has established connections with several Indian law schools, including NLSIU Bangalore, NUJS Kolkata, NALSAR Hyderabad, and NLU Jodhpur and Delhi, with the ambition to extend reach to many more.
The IDIA project was initiated by Professor Shamnad Basheer, who expressed his excitement about the partnership. He told Bar & Bench, “Partnering with HSF is a great honor for us. This alliance will leverage the remarkable talent of law students across India to address significant societal inequities.” Basheer emphasized the project’s ultimate aim of empowering underprivileged communities by nurturing leaders through legal education. “The intersection of law and leadership plays out in our daily lives, with many political and other leaders having a legal background,” he added.
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Basheer is optimistic about the long-term impact of this collaboration, anticipating it will cultivate a robust cadre of future societal leaders.
IDIA’s Collaborative Endeavors
The collaboration with HSF is one among several partnerships IDIA has engaged in. IDIA has collaborated with organizations such as GE India, LexisNexis, Eastern Book Company, and Rainmaker. GE India’s legal team mentors IDIA scholars in law schools, while LexisNexis and Eastern Book Company contribute through content sharing and promotional activities. Rainmaker offers free online training courses to IDIA scholars nationwide.
Upcoming IDIA Annual Camp
IDIA is set to hold its second annual camp on January 18 and 19, bringing together the IDIA team, Advisory Board, donors, and legal experts to reflect on past achievements and future challenges. The event will be inaugurated by Veerappa Moily, Hon’ble Minister for Environment and IDIA Advisory Board Member, followed by a keynote address on Inclusive Legal Education and Social Empowerment by Prof (Dr) Madhava Menon.
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Other notable speakers include Prof (Dr) Venkat Rao, who will discuss the role of National Law Universities in expanding educational access for the underprivileged, and Prof NL Mitra, who will inaugurate the session on January 19. Panelists include industry leaders like Citi Group General Counsel Pramod Rao and Rainmaker CEO Anthony Alex, among others.
Those interested in supporting IDIA’s initiatives or attending the annual camp in Bangalore can reach out via info@idialaw.com.
