Donny Surtani Associate

Home: Sri Lanka

University: LSE

Degree: Law

 

Donny Surtani has been an energetic participant in Herbert Smith’s pro bono and community investment schemes since he joined the firm in 2004.

Donny is a regular volunteer at the Whitechapel Legal Advice Centre, a free legal advice service provided through the Citizens Advice Bureau. He is also involved in a numeracy scheme (the Numbers Club) at Thomas Buxton Primary School in East London. And last summer he took part in the firm’s business mentoring scheme, helping to give teenagers from a secondary school in Tower Hamlets an insight into the world of work and to build core skills in areas such as CV writing and public speaking, as well as raising their awareness and aspirations.

“Getting involved in this sort of work is easy – it is actively promoted by the firm,” he says. “As part of our induction we get told what the various initiatives are and all members of staff – not just the lawyers – are encouraged to take part in the programme and are allowed additional time off to do this. In London there are more than 20 different projects aimed at making a positive difference to the communities on the firm’s doorstep by using the skills, enthusiasm and expertise of everyone in the firm.”

“Around the world our offices are committed to tackling social exclusion and encouraging regeneration, and that really appeals to me. Anyone can volunteer, and while a few of the projects have a legal slant, many do not. The only requirement is enthusiasm and the desire to make a difference.”

“Personally, I’ve found that this type of activity sharpens my skills. When you are dealing with children it is about trying to make what you are saying interesting so you hold their attention. And when you teach something you get better at it, so with basic numeracy it certainly helps! You have to keep at it and use skills that you might not have used consciously in that way for a while.”

Donny qualified into the litigation division in September 2006 and continues to provide pro bono advocacy work for the Free Representation Unit.