Finalists: ENSafrica; Law For All (highly commended); LNP Attorneys (highly commended); PLMJ, Law Firm.

Webber Wentzel's highly respected pro bono unit saw it prevail in the CSR, Diversity, Transformation and Economic Empowerment Award category.

The full-time practice (which is staffed by four partners and an eight-month rotation of candidate attorneys) allows the firm to aggregate employee pro bono work, thereby giving lawyers time to work on more important public interest issues. Those are typically more time-consuming, given they are likely to involve novel arguments, consultation with dispersed client groups and the need for international research. One of the main focuses of Webber Wentzel's pro bono practice is the right to equality, with 21,014 pro bono hours devoted in 2017 to making South Africa more equal and diverse.

A notable example of its recent work was the case of a high-school student who is biologically male but identifies as female. Having been subjected to taunts and physical abuse by the school's principal, Webber Wentzel took the case to the Equality Court. The court found in her favour, emphasising her right to dignity and equality – a major victory for LGBTQIA minors and the Equality Act in general, the firm says.

"Webber Wentzel's footprint in the pro bono space is undeniable and deserves to be recognised," noted a judge.

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