Harper Macleod Nominated For A Top Charity Award

Harper Macleod LLP, one of Scotland's leading commercial law firms, has been nominated in the Partnership category of the first Third Force News, (TFN), Annual Charity Awards, which take place at SCVO's Gathering on 24 May at the Glasgow Science Centre.

The TFN Partnership Award is given to a non-voluntary organisation that has developed strong links with the voluntary sector and helped to promote the role and aims of the sector to the wider community.  Harper Macleod has been nominated for its work with The National Autistic Society (NAS) in Scotland, providing pro bono legal support for parents of children with autism who are referred to the firm by the NAS' Advocacy for Education service.

The Advocacy for Education service is telephone based and is delivered by trained volunteers to help guide parents through education law and provide support and advice.  Harper Macleod assists parents in preparing for hearings before the Additional Support Needs Tribunals and provides representation.

Harper Macleod's nomination for this award follows recent success at the Scottish Legal Awards 2007, where the firm took the award for Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of Year.

NAS Scotland has also been nominated in the TFN Annual Charity Awards in the category of Charity of the Year.

Martin Darroch, Chief Executive, Harper Macleod commented; "The firm is delighted to have been nominated for this award, which recognises the importance that we place on our key stakeholders: our staff, the community and the environment around us. We have been working with NAS Scotland since 2005 and it is a privilege for Harper Macleod to be using its litigation expertise to support parents who are faced with the daunting prospect of going through the Additional Support Needs Tribunal system."

He continued; "Harper Macleod is also delighted to see that NAS Scotland has itself been recognised for the invaluable work it undertakes for parents and young people affected by autism and we wish them every success in the category of Charity of the Year."

 Carla-Manini Rowden, Co-ordinator, Advocacy for Education, said:

 "NAS Scotland's Advocacy for Education Service is delighted to congratulate Harper Macleod LLP on being shortlisted in the Partnership category. Our service exists to empower and encourage parents to be confident partners in their child's education and enable them to make informed choices and decisions. Harper Macleod's support and expertise is of great value to the families who use our service and to our volunteers."