Respecting human rights

We are committed to respecting human rights in how we do business. Through our Human Rights Policy, we have set out guiding principles in line with the International Labour Organisation’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We seek to act in accordance with applicable human rights in Canada and commit to assessing human rights impacts in our supply chain. As an employer, we strive to treat all our staff fairly. In addition, we are opposed to and will oppose all forms of slavery and forced labour within our organization and within our supply chain. 

The firm’s Modern Slavery Act Report will be shared in 2024.

Our world. Our word.

We recognize that our impact on the environment and our people adhere to our own adoption of  sustainability best practice. Our business depends on the ethical standards we set, and implementing sustainability measures in our decision-making and business activities is vital if we are to provide credible leadership for our clients, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Operationally, we aim to enhance stakeholder engagement to promote awareness amongst firm members and collaborating with clients to collectively advance their sustainability goals. 

Putting our best efforts to work, close to home

We believe that giving back to the communities we serve through community giving and pro bono activities is both a public and a professional duty. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a blueprint for our community and pro bono efforts. 

Working alongside local charitable organizations, and in partnership with our clients, we dedicate our skills, time and resources to delivering positive outcomes to our environment and our communities. 

We provide legal support to vulnerable populations through our pro bono efforts including providing  advice, information, research and training.

Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our global diversity, equity and inclusion policy sets out a number of commitments to which all elements of our business adhere. Norton Rose Fulbright, as a firm, is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion on every level because all people deserve to be valued and treated with both dignity and respect. We provide a working environment free from discrimination and harassment, ensuring partners, directors and managers work in partnership with our people to foster an inclusive environment. We believe this improves productivity and ensures that decisions affecting employment, learning, promotions, and career development are based on an individual’s ability. The policies we put in place are reviewed regularly, updated as necessary to identify and eliminate any direct or indirect discriminatory practices. We are committed to achieving an aspirational gender diversity target that optimizes inclusivity, and we actively seek to increase the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity, including the LGBTIQ+ community, of our management structures across the global firm.

We recognize that, as a global firm supporting our clients in multiple jurisdictions, the way in which we operate has an impact on the environment. 

In seeking to improve our environmental performance we are continually adopting measures to reduce greenhouse gases, increase waste management efficiency, reduce water consumption and fully assess environmental credentials in our procurement supply chain. In addition, we aim to work with our clients to help them meet their sustainability goals.

We also continue to raise awareness and engage our colleagues in environmental action through various green campaigns around the office.

Getting behind pro bono

Giving back to the communities we serve is both a public and a professional duty. Our people are encouraged to seek out pro bono opportunities, and each year, hundreds of partners and associates play an active role in matters that make a huge difference to a variety of organizations. We are proud of our people and the efforts made to support those who need our expertise.