Corporate Citizenship at Hannes Snellman 2024

Corporate citizenship and pro bono work has been deeply embedded in our culture and operations since Hannes Snellman founded the firm in 1909. Each generation of our team has upheld and advanced our heritage of community service, ensuring that our practices evolve and remain relevant over time. For us, corporate citizenship and sustainability represent the practical realisation of the core professional values of our firm, attorneys, and legal professionals.

Annual Donations in 2024

One of our traditions is to make annual donations to charities that share our values. The chosen causes reflect the UN Sustainable Development Goals that we at Hannes Snellman have identified as our top priorities: Reduced Inequalities and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

We continued to support our long-term partner UNICEF. Our cooperation with UNICEF includes, among other things, pro bono legal advice, working with UNICEF’s testament donation programme enabling individuals to leave a legacy for children in need, and monetary donations to support humanitarian work and development programmes around the world.

In addition to UNICEF, as chosen by our staff, we made a donation to Mieli ry, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of and providing support to those in vulnerable situations. Mieli ry promotes mental health across all life stages and actively works to prevent mental health issues and suicides. The organisation fosters inclusion and community, advocates for equality, strengthens a culture of care, and offers support during life crises.

Cooperation with Commu for the #1000tekoa Food Aid Tour

In 2023, Hannes Snellman partnered with Commu to support those in need at the #1000tekoa event, Finland’s largest volunteer initiative. Continuing our cooperation in 2024, we served as the main national partner for Commu’s #1000tekoa tour, which covered Tampere, Turku, and Helsinki. Commu, an award-winning platform recognised by the United Nations and founded by Ms. Karoliina Kauhanen, who was recently featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 in the social impact category, is the largest helping platform in Finland, connecting those in need with those willing to help. During the charity event tour, 1,000 bags of food and 500 warm lunches were distributed to those in need at each location. Hannes Snellman contributed financially to support the event, and our staff members volunteered their time at the events.

At Hannes Snellman, we believe that our role extends beyond providing legal services; it includes making a positive impact on society. Our participation in the #1000tekoa event is a demonstration of our ongoing efforts to integrate social responsibility into our business practices. By partnering with organisations like Commu, we aim to promote inclusivity and equality.

UN Global Compact

Since 2020, Hannes Snellman has been a proud member of the UN Global Compact Network, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. The network supports companies in conducting business responsibly by aligning their strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, which cover human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. It also encourages taking strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, emphasising collaboration and innovation. In 2024, we continued to integrate the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture, and daily operations.

Business and Human Rights Accelerator

In spring 2024, Hannes Snellman participated in the UN Global Compact’s Business and Human Rights Accelerator Programme, a six-month initiative designed to help companies transition from commitment to action on human rights and labour rights. The programme aims to establish an ongoing human rights due diligence process within participating businesses.

During the programme, we identified and assessed our key human rights impacts and started to transform these insights into concrete actions. The training covered responsibilities related to human rights and labour rights, as outlined in the International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Participants also prepared for evolving human rights due diligence legislation and learnt to report and communicate their due diligence outcomes effectively.