Norton Rose Fulbright appoints first dedicated pro bono partner in Australia

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright announced today that Chris Owen has joined as the firm’s first dedicated pro bono partner in Australia.

In that role he will lead the firm’s national pro bono program, build strong relationships with a range of community organisations, and align our contributions with those of our major clients.

Chris joins international law firm from Simmons & Simmons, where he was a partner in the litigation team in London. He led the contentious ESG (environment, social and governance) disputes group, as well as co-chaired the firm’s international pro bono practice. He has more than 15 years’ experience working in pro bono and has supervised the pro bono contributions of hundreds of lawyers for more than a decade. Prior to that role, he worked at Linklaters for five years as a commercial litigator and member of the pro bono team.

Chris has previously collaborated with major financial institutions and corporate clients on pro bono matters, which is valuable experience that he will bring to Norton Rose Fulbright. His appointment follows that of Bronwyn Winley, who joined as the firm’s first Head of Social Impact and Sustainability in March this year.

Chris has a broad range of pro bono expertise, including advising at legal clinics, assisting Indigenous communities obtaining access to justice, conducting advocacy on behalf of clients in court proceedings and advising on international pro bono projects. He has particular interests in business and human rights, environment and climate change, and access to justice. Chris has also held numerous committee memberships and advisory appointments and is a current member of the UK’s UN Global Compact committee working to combat the worst forms of child labour. He is qualified to practise in both the UK and Australia.

Norton Rose Fulbright chief executive partner Alison Deitz said:

“Our pro bono efforts have progressed to the point where appointing a dedicated partner will ensure that we continue to lift our contribution to the wider community. Chris has a passion and flair for pro bono work, from developing and refining firm-wide strategy to meaningful collaborations with key clients. We welcome him to our partnership and look forward to working with him to further our pro bono program.”

Chris Owen said:

“I have been impressed by Norton Rose Fulbright’s strong commitment to pro bono. My appointment will allow the firm’s pro bono practice to evolve to the next level, positioning the firm as a market leader in pro bono across Australia and beyond. I am a strong believer that pro bono can bring multiple benefits to a firm like Norton Rose Fulbright. Not only can we help those who are most in need, but in doing so our own lawyers gain opportunities to develop their skills and form strong ties within communities, both locally and globally. Working closely with the firm’s clients, we can bring the weight of our joint expertise to help address serious issues locally, nationally and internationally.”