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Reconciliation
As a national Australian law firm, it is important for us to build and support an equitable and just Australia. We are aware that our legal system is based on the dispossession of First Nations people, who have a sacred and sovereign connection to the land. We have a unique capability to advocate for legal and structural reform to combat systemic racism, and have a moral and ethical imperative to do so.
Our firm's success has taken place on the land, near the waterways and under the sky of the traditional owners of Meeanjin, Naarm, Ngambri and Warrane. We respectfully acknowledge Elders of this Country and their continuing custodianship, care, connection and leadership. We acknowledge and celebrate the unbroken cultural legacy of First Peoples in story, custom, lore, practice, and relationship to Country which is of unique value to all Australians.
Our Reconciliation vision
We seek by our actions to walk together with First Peoples for a better future. Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia in which:
- the perspectives and cultural knowledge of First Peoples is respected, valued and understood within the legal system
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples enrich the legal profession and flourish within it and do not face barriers to access to justice
- we collectively redefine our national identity to tell the truth of our colonial history and to prioritise the sacred and sovereign connection that First Nations people have to our land in law, policy and culture.
PRINCIPLES
as a law firm, we are aware that our legal system is based on the dispossession of First Nations people which has caused ongoing harm and injustice, and First Nations people have a sacred and sovereign connection to the land. We can consciously take action to mitigate the power imbalance between ourselves and First Peoples.
situate our efforts in relation to the Country on which they occur.
centre good relations with community as this work is not a transaction. This must involve listening and humility.
seek community views and develop our support, practice and services in response to the needs and wants of community. This must involve action in response to recommendations and accountability.
be consistent, show up. and plan for the long term.
ask why we are taking the action we are taking and what change it will make.
Reconciliation and our 2030 strategy
Our commitment to reconciliation engages our whole firm and all our people. It includes a comprehensive approach grounded in a First Nations Strategy incorporating key principles, engagement strategies, practical considerations and principles and actions to guide our processes and actions.
As an identified value in our 2030 Strategy, we hold ourselves accountable to a First Nations Strategy that establishes a framework to ensure we engage in targeted and measurable actions, remain accountable and transparent, make a professional contribution, act with cultural awareness and promote economic participation and empowerment.
Key framework elements include:
- profession-wide contribution to systems change and ensuring truth telling and voice
- ensuring that technology and innovation development engages First Nations perspectives
- strengthening our internal leadership to build support in circles of influence
- First Nations prosperity, economic participation and empowerment, growing participation in the legal profession
- investment/procurement spend
- cultural and racial literacy strategy
- pro bono work through our First Nations Justice Pillar
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Our fourth Reconciliation Action Plan meets Innovate requirements to align with the second of four levels in Reconciliation Australia’s formal framework. This puts us in the top third (35%)of Australian Legal Sector Alliance reporting members*.
Our fourth RAP will be published in FY27 following approval and endorsement. We look forward to sharing our new commitments, actions and goals.
OUR PARTNERS
Lander & Rogers has provided pro bono legal advice to Djirra (formerly Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria (FVPLS)) since 2009. The Service performs vital work building knowledge, strengthening culture and helping to empower women to escape family violence. Djirra supports victims of family violence to build new lives, contribute to their community and ensure strong family foundations for their children.
Lander & Rogers has worked with Murrup (formerly Community Spirit Foundation) since 2010. Our partnership focuses on supporting positive life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Our legal work and community engagement support the organisation's aim to build full potential in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Lander & Rogers first partnered with the East Kimberley-based Warmun Art Centre in 2013, through the Arts Law Centre "Adopt a Lawyer" program. We help service the Centre's legal needs and assist with promoting a strong local culture and community. We're grateful to the Centre for providing opportunities to engage with the Gija people of the East Kimberley. These experiences enrich our firm's knowledge and understanding of Indigenous language and culture. The relationship has deepened through legal work, secondments and visits facilitated through the Centre.
Lander & Rogers is proud to support First Nations Lawyers and Law Student Associations across Australia as we recognise their key role and contribution to our profession. The firm is a corporate member of Indigenous Lawyers Queensland Inc (ILQ), a professional representative body with a purpose of advancing the profile and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students and legal professionals in Queensland.
Ngalaya Indigenous Corporation is the peak body for First Nations lawyers and law students across Aboriginal lands now referred to as New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Ngalaya (nar-lee-ah) is a Dharug/Dharawal word meaning 'allies in battle'. Founded in 1997 by a group of young Indigenous lawyers and law students at UNSW, and incorporated in 1998, it was the first association of its kind in Australia. Lander & Rogers are a Ngalaya corporate member, contributing to their mission to support and grow the next generation of First Nations law-makers.
