Pinsent Masons

In 2024, Pinsent Masons’ Faith, Race, Ethnicity & Equity (FREE) Subcommittee proudly launched the Cultural Snack Initiative across our Australian offices. Each month, we celebrated culturally and religiously significant days by sharing snacks that are part of these celebrations. Our colleagues came together, enjoyed tasty treats, and learned about the rich cross-cultural and religious traditions, values, and customs. Food is a powerful bridge between cultures, fostering meaningful discussions and connections. This initiative aligns with our commitment to unity and inclusivity. As 2024 draws to a close, we would like to share some highlights from our celebrations of the International Day for People of African Descent, Mid-Autumn Festival, Diwali, and St Andrew's Day. We will continue this journey of cultural exploration and celebration in 2025! #PinsentMasons #FoodAndCulture #CulturalDiversity #Inclusivity

Businesses should review their cybersecurity programmes after the Security Bureau announced a draft bill aimed at strengthening the computer systems of critical infrastructure in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Jennifer Wu discusses the aims of the Bill and what businesses should do to prepare for it. Read the article: https://ow.ly/byBJ50UskNp #PinsentMasons #Cybersecurity #Data #Technology #HongKong

Earlier this year, we launched 'Pinpals' as part of our Family Matters initiative to connect our colleagues' children and young people globally. With the festive season around the corner, we hope it inspires you to pick up a pen and share some festive cheer. There's nothing quite like the joy of receiving a heartfelt letter or card during this special time.📝💌

The global energy labour market is thriving, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). In 2023, energy jobs grew by 3.8%, with clean energy leading the way. From China's clean energy surge to Australia's lithium boom, the future looks promising.

In the latest edition of the Pinsent Masons Podcast we speak to Mike Harvey about how companies might be overlooking a crucial aspect of ESG. And Veronica Scott highlights a key measure in Australia's new cybersecurity law that deserves our attention, Tune in to hear to full conversation. 🎧

From all of us at Pinsent Masons, we’re sending our warmest season's greetings and happy holiday wishes around the globe. Whether you're celebrating Christmas or simply enjoying the festive season, we wish you and your loved ones joy, peace, and cherished moments.

Read how we're revolutionising Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and client onboarding with cutting-edge AI technology in our latest AI in Action newsletter 👇

Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes, some visible, some not. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Tom shares his story of overcoming isolation and self-doubt, transforming his stammer into a source of strength and advocacy. 💬 Feeling like you’re different can be tough, often leading to isolation and self-doubt. My difference has always been my stammer. The severity can vary from day to day, impacting my confidence and injecting anxiety into everyday activities like speaking in public, job interviews, or ordering at a restaurant. For much of my life, I was ashamed of my stammer, seeing it as a roadblock to personal and professional progress. Society doesn't help much either, often portraying stammering as a sign of nervousness or weakness. I've had people laugh at my stammer, even those I thought were kind. But over time, I've learned there's nothing to be ashamed of. Accepting my stammer and sharing my experiences helps break down misconceptions. People who stammer are confident, competent, and intelligent, deserving of respect. Mockery and disrespect, whether from others or ourselves, are unacceptable. It has been a slow and challenging journey coming to terms with my stammer, but I have found gently pushing myself, practising kindness and “allowing myself” to stammer has allowed my confidence to grow and the self-hatred to diminish. Serving in the Police Service was a turning point for me, as I threw myself into a world where abuse and violence were to expected daily, I was surprised to find that my stammer was never the target of such abuse. I stammered openly in front of offenders, who called me every name under the sun, but never mentioned my stammer. This startling and unexpected source of inspiration has made me speak openly about stammering and make me want to help others to realise their potential and understand that stammering isn't something to be ashamed of. I am still on my journey, but I am finally finding some solace in the fact that I stammer and that’s perfectly ok.

As we reflect back of our 20 years in the Middle East, we highlight another milestone - 10 years since the launch of our graduate programme in the region. Harshi one of our current trainees shares her journey from aspiring lawyer at 16 to thriving professional: 💬 "I was born and brought up in Dubai, although I am originally of Indian descent. I first considered a career in law at 16, drawn by the perfect blend of research, communication, and writing. After completing my LLB in London, I returned to Dubai, this time as a professional, and it's been a fantastic experience. Pinsent Masons caught my eye with its international presence, impressive Middle East client roster, and a culture of transparency and positivity. When I got accepted into the Gateway Programme, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But I quickly realised there was nothing to worry about – the people here are wonderful, and I've had the chance to work on some thrilling client projects. The firm's strong mentorship culture has been a huge boost to my skills and confidence. Trainees are encouraged to give back, whether through advice, mentorship, or just a coffee catch-up. One memorable experience was preparing and presenting a session on real property rights in Saudi Arabia. Not only was I fairly new to the topic, but I was also quite nervous at the prospect of speaking in front of several senior members of the firm. While it may not be as exciting as closing a client deal, it was nevertheless a personal obstacle that I was only able to conquer thanks to the guidance and support of the team. The people at Pinsent Masons are undoubtedly my favourite aspect – they make every day enjoyable. I look forward to continuing my journey, growing, and learning with such an amazing team." #PinsentMasons #LifeAtPinsentMasons

In the latest episode of the Pinsent Masons Podcast, Tom Stocker highlights that many more companies can now be criminally liable for corporate fraud, with the scope of the law expanding even further. Meanwhile, Emilie Jones reviews strategies for in-house lawyers to keep documents out of litigation opponents' hands. 🎧Tune in: https://ow.ly/ir8K50UhrHB #CorporateLaw #FraudPrevention