06:00, 26 February 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
The Corporate Cause category at the Smiley Charity Film Awards recognises businesses making a meaningful impact. It shines a spotlight on the impactful partnerships between companies and the organisations they support, demonstrating their efforts to drive real change.
Senior Associate Ekaterina (Katya) Harrison from Katten's London office dedicates her pro bono practice to advocating for children and young people with special learning needs as well as educating their parents and caregivers on how to navigate the complexities of social systems, including schools.
In the film Laws, Weasels, Teapots, and Unfinished Tales, Katya teamed up with director Joy Chao (Tzu-Hsuan Chao) to craft a touching narrative that highlights the struggles neurodivergent students face in school, aiming to raise awareness and foster understanding.
We spoke with Ekaterina (Katya) Harrison to learn more about her film, which supports two vital UK charities: SOS!SEN, dedicated to helping parents secure the right SEN support for their children and young people, and Missing People, which offers crucial support and guidance to families affected by missing persons during times of distress.
I became involved in pro bono work out of both necessity and passion. As a finance lawyer, I never expected to navigate education law, but when my own children struggled in the mainstream school system without the support they needed, I had no choice but to step in. Through hands-on experience - filing complaints, handling tribunals, and even managing a judicial review - I developed a deep understanding of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England. More than two years ago, I began volunteering with the charity SOS!SEN, providing free legal advice at their walk-in centres, and I have been fortunate to do so through the pro bono program at my law firm Katten. I firmly believe that legal expertise should be used to drive meaningful change, and supporting families in securing the right support for their children has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Businesses have a unique opportunity - and, I believe, a responsibility - to give back to their communities. Beyond being the right thing to do, charity work fosters a sense of purpose, promotes collaboration, and strengthens the company’s culture and brand. For law firms, pro bono work also offers invaluable professional development, allowing lawyers to broaden their skills and explore new areas of legal practice.
Businesses can best support the causes they are involved with by committing to long-term, meaningful engagement rather than one-off symbolic gestures. This means providing not just financial support but also dedicating time, resources, and expertise to make a real impact. For law firms, this involves fostering a culture where pro bono work is encouraged, ensuring that lawyers feel empowered to contribute their skills to social causes. Recognising and rewarding these efforts is key - by acknowledging pro bono hours as a valuable part of career progression and offering institutional support such as dedicated budgets and training. Law firms can also leverage their platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. When legal expertise is applied strategically, it can significantly strengthen the impact of charitable initiatives.
You can watch Katten’s film in the Smiley Charity Film Awards below or on the CFA website.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
SOS!SEN. This charity helps parents navigate the complexities of securing special educational needs (SEN) support for their children, providing advice and guidance. Find out more.
Missing People. This is a UK-based charity that supports individuals and families affected by missing persons, providing a lifeline during difficult and distressing times with guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance. Learn more here.
Mencap. This charity supports individuals with learning disabilities and their families, offering inclusive education, employment opportunities, and advocacy to promote independence and a fuller life. Support them here.
