Doing good work abroad is good for NQs and firms alike

Every New Year starts with good resolutions. Lose weight, drink less, give up smoking, work smarter, as we try to make ourselves better people.

Some, however, may consider helping others as their challenge for 2010. There is no shortage of opportunities to do so; LawWorks, for example, thrives on such solicitors, and City law firms, like Clifford Chance, are recognised for their staff emphasis on corporate responsibility at home and abroad.

Newly qualified (NQ) lawyers in City firms may feel that they have little to offer here, facing as they do changing retention rates, salary freezes, and increased uncertainty.

Yet one initiative launched by Advocates for International Development (A4ID) in partnership with Challenges Worldwide (CWW), deserves attention from NQs. At a well-attended launch at CMS Cameron McKenna’s offices, delegates at the evening session heard about the launch of the Newly Qualified Lawyers' Programme.