Spotlight: London Team Walks for Justice in the London Legal Walk

At Lighthouse, service extends beyond the work we do for our clients. It’s also about how we show up for the communities where we live and work. Each year, our London team laces up their trainers to take part in the London Legal Walk, a 10K charity walk through the city that raises critical funds for access-to-justice organizations across the UK. Their ongoing participation is part of our Lighthouse Cares initiative, which champions causes that matter most to our people.

A Walk with Purpose

The London Legal Walk is organized by the London Legal Support Trust and brings together more than 10,000 walkers annually, including law firms, barristers, corporate legal departments, and members of the broader legal services community. The event supports free legal advice agencies that help people facing poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and discrimination.

Since its founding more than 20 years ago, the event has grown into one of the UK’s largest legal charity fundraisers, raising over £1 million annually in recent years.

For Lighthouse, joining this effort was a natural extension of our mission and values. As Julie Shefchik from our London office shared, “Even if I can’t personally provide legal advice here in the UK, I can raise money for organizations that do. It’s about championing justice and ensuring people have access to the legal support they need.”

Building Tradition and Camaraderie

The Lighthouse London team first joined the walk in 2021 at a time when London was emerging from lockdowns. What started with just a handful of participants has since grown into a yearly tradition, bringing colleagues together in support of a shared cause.

Over the past four years, the team has walked riverside routes past landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Temple, often wearing Lighthouse hats and shirts as they move among the sea of teams from across the legal industry.

And the camaraderie goes beyond the walk itself. Whether they’re sharing stories along the trail, reuniting afterward over food and drinks, or planning next year’s T-shirts and swag, the event has become a highlight of the London office’s culture. As Erica Ames put it, “Nothing really beats going on a 10K walk with someone. It’s a personal experience that deepens connection.”

Looking Ahead: Five Years Strong

Next year marks Lighthouse London’s fifth consecutive Legal Walk—a milestone the team is excited to celebrate in a big way. Plans are already underway for custom athletic T-shirts, a larger team presence, and even greater fundraising impact.

The team also hopes to expand participation to include clients and partners, turning the walk into not just a philanthropic effort but a way to strengthen professional relationships while serving the greater good.

As Julie noted, “This is a way to raise money for causes we care about, build connections, and show up in our community—all without needing to sit on a board or take on big commitments. It’s meaningful and fun.”

Living Our Values Through Lighthouse Cares

The London Legal Walk is just one example of how Lighthouse employees around the globe bring our Lighthouse Cares values to life. From supporting local charities to participating in pro bono efforts and community drives, these initiatives remind us that our work matters not only in the boardroom but also in the neighborhoods we call home.

As Chrissy Bauer reflected, “It’s not just window dressing—people here are actively engaged, and leadership is behind these efforts. That makes Lighthouse a place where people feel proud to work.”

We look forward to cheering on our London team as they celebrate five years of walking for justice next summer, and to continuing to support the communities we live and work in, together.