Gilbert + Tobin has launched its first Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and second RAP overall, setting a clear path from June 2026 to June 2029 for practical, accountable action guided by First Nations leadership.
The RAP builds on more than 38 years of work with First Nations clients, organisations and communities. It formalises and strengthens G+T’s long-term reconciliation work, with clear focus areas aligned to where the firm can have meaningful impact as a law firm.
The plan focuses on truth, justice and partnership across access to justice, employment pathways, governance, procurement, cultural capability, treaty readiness, youth justice and First Nations leadership. It is grounded in listening before acting, supporting rather than directing and keeping First Nations leadership at the centre.
G+T will maintain First Nations employment at a minimum of 1.5% and work towards 2% by 2028, supported by targeted recruitment, retention, professional development, cadetship, graduate pathway, mentoring, university partnership and scholarship initiatives.
A central part of this work is G+T’s First Nations Legal Cadetship Program, which has supported more than 64 students since 2011. The program gives First Nations law students employment, mentoring and early exposure to corporate law, helping build a stronger pipeline of First Nations talent across the legal sector.
The RAP also reinforces the central role of G+T’s Pro Bono practice, with the firm continuing to ensure at least 50% of its Pro Bono practice is dedicated to First Nations clients.
Co-Founder and Chairman Danny Gilbert said the RAP reflects the firm’s responsibility to act with purpose, discipline and accountability.
First Nations peoples hold a foundational and enduring place in the story and future of our nation. Reconciliation calls each of us to action and every institution shares a responsibility to help create opportunities for First Nations peoples to participate as respected and empowered members of our national community.
For 38 years, our work alongside First Nations peoples has been guided by a clear ambition: to see First Nations people and their unique cultures fully embedded within the economic, social and civic life of Australia. This RAP gives that ambition practical shape for the next three years.
The RAP also includes commitments to increase spending with First Nations suppliers, develop a First Nations Procurement Policy, strengthen cultural learning and anti-racism training and embed First Nations voice mechanisms across the firm.
