An expanded CSR list showcases 25 law firms in Asia that clearly have their hearts in the right place when it comes to giving back to their communities. By Ranajit Dam

If 2015 touched the surface when it came to the CSR initiatives undertaken by law firms in Asia, 2016 provides a clearer view. The list has been expanded from 10 to 25 to accommodate the veritable flood of entries that ALB received this year, and such was the quality of the submissions that it was extremely hard to decide which firms to leave out of the list.

In the interests of space, we’re only highlighting notable CSR work by a few firms on the list. For the full picture, we urge you to reach out to each of the respective firms in the list opposite for details. Three firms from Malaysia made the CSR List this year. Of these, Azmi & Associates, which describes itself as a “progressive law firm [that] continues be a strong believer of CSR programs and giving back to society,” has sponsored scholarships for students in its home country.

Meanwhile, MahWengKwai & Associates was involved in a fundraising campaign in aid of the Nepal earthquake relief, raising 450,000 ringgit ($102,000) in the process. It also supported an organ donation drive in Malaysia, and participated in a conference on strengthening birth registration in Sabah.

As for Thomas Philip, the firm’s initiatives last year included bringing electricity to an off-grid rural village of about 50 households in Long Pakan, Ulu Baram in East Malaysia’s interior Sarawak. In South Korea, Bae, Kim & Lee’s numerous CSR initiatives this year included providing assistance for asylum seekers and foreign migrants; working with related NGOs, government agencies, and corporations to provide support related to issues faced by social enterprises; and offering assistance and advice to women, youth and the differently abled.

As for Yoon & Yang, it has offered legal representation for foreign migrant workers; hosted a pro bono conference; advocated on behalf of patients suffering from Hansen’s diseas; and provided legal aid for the homeless, among others. The firm’s work earned it the “Grand Award for Attorneys Dedicated to Public Interest” from the Korean Bar Association.

According to of counsel Hong Hoon Lee, Yoon & Yang the firm“has a long and rich tradition of public service that is an integral part of its history.” In May 2012, Yoon & Yang established a Pro Bono Committee, combining and strengthening several existing pro bono and charity programs that had been launched since 2003, when the firm was established. And in order to pave the way for continuous pro bono activities, the Yoon & Yang Public Interest Foundation was established in November 2014.

As of Dec. 4 last year, Yoon & Yang’s attorneys dedicated had dedicated 4,771 to pro bono work or community service in 2015, or an average of 20.5 hours per lawyer. Additionally, 29 percent of firm’s attorneys participated in more than one activity during the year.

On July 21, the firm held its inaugural pro bono conference in South Korea, which drew some 40 lawyers and doctors. At the conference, attorneys presented seminars on the legal issues surrounding infectious diseases including MERS, an outbreak of which occurred in the country.