Going green in graduate recruitment

In today's world, where being eco-conscious is more important than ever, sustainability forms part of the core values of businesses across all industries.

Law firms are no exception. At Burness Paull, we've been actively integrating sustainability into our graduate recruitment process, aligning with our strong commitment to environmental responsibility. While we know we still have some way to go, we do place immense importance on taking responsibility for our actions.

The changing landscape of recruitment

Recruiting fresh talent in the legal industry has always been a competitive and resource-intensive process, and we’re mindful of this as we work hard to make sure we recruit the best teams from the widest pool of talent. Law firms used to focus on wooing graduates with flashy giveaways and extravagant events. However, as the world grapples with climate change and a growing awareness of sustainability issues, things have changed.

A shift towards sustainability

Over the last few years, Burness Paull has made significant strides in transforming our graduate recruitment process to make it more sustainable. Here's how we are making a difference:

1. Fewer giveaways: One of the most noticeable changes we’ve made is cutting back on the number of giveaways and promotional items we distribute during recruitment events. While we understand that such items can be enticing, we have opted to prioritise sustainability over unnecessary material possessions. This move not only reduces waste but also sends a clear message about our commitment to environmental responsibility.
2. Responsible sourcing: For the few promotional items we do provide, we ensure that they are responsibly sourced and produced. This means using eco-friendly materials, supporting fair labour practices, and minimising the carbon footprint of production and transportation.
3. Waste reduction: During in-person recruitment events, we have implemented waste reduction strategies such as providing recycling and composting options, minimising single-use plastics, and using digital resources whenever possible.
4. Education and awareness: We believe that education is key to fostering a culture of sustainability. As part of our recruitment process, we inform candidates about our sustainability efforts and encourage them to adopt eco-friendly practices in their legal careers.

We believe sustainability isn’t just a passing trend but a responsibility that businesses across all sectors must embrace. At Burness Paull, we're proud to embrace a more eco-conscious recruitment process, in line with our core values. By cutting back on giveaways, reducing waste, and sourcing materials responsibly, we're not just shaping the future of our firm; we're also doing our part to create a more sustainable world, aligning with our net-zero commitment and dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Find out more about what we’re doing here.

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