Shireen Irani, founder and executive director of i-ProBono, an online pro bono community, has been named Young Achiever of the Year at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2011.
Shireen, who is also corporate social responsibility executive at Fieldfisher, has long been committed to the development sector and finding ways to tackle social causes. She first recognised the need for a platform such as i-ProBono during her postgraduate studies, and on joining Fieldfisher further developed the idea with the full support and backing of the firm.
An independent non-profit organisation, i-ProBono is the leading online network connecting organisations in need of legal assistance with lawyers and students who want to use their legal skills for the public good. Its online platform provides global reach, bringing together people and projects from around the world and allowing organisations to source assistance across jurisdictions. More than 100 projects have been matched through i-ProBono since it was launched in 2010.
Shireen said: "I am honoured to have been named Young Achiever of the Year and to shine the spotlight on the work of those in the social sector. i-ProBono works because of the people in the community who give so generously of their time and skills. To be able to use my experience to create a platform that connects them with organisations in need of legal help is a tremendous honour in itself - to be recognised among some outstanding women who give so tirelessly is a bonus."
Denise Sexton, partner and head of corporate responsibility at Fieldfisher, said: "Shireen has devoted herself to furthering many causes in the social sector and for her work to be recognised is a fantastic achievement. When she joined the firm as a trainee, we saw the potential in her and her ideas. As a firm we are proud to support Shireen in her work developing such an ambitious and innovative project. She is an integral member of the firm's corporate responsibility programme and we look forward to working with her as i-ProBono further develops and grows."
Co-founded by Pinky Lilani OBE in 1999, the Asian Women of Achievement Awards were conceived to celebrate the often unsung Asian heroines of British life. Such women make a huge contribution in fields as diverse as business, entrepreneurship and social and humanitarian work. These awards are their moment in the spotlight.
For further information and to see how i-ProBono works, visit http://www.i-probono.com/
For further press information, please contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on +44 (0)20 7861 4120