Australian Solicitors 'Give More Than Take' - Study
26 March 2007 at 12:02 pm
New research suggests that solicitors are far more philanthropic and community minded than their stereotypical reputation suggests with Australian solicitors more likely to leave a bequest in their Will than the rest of the population.
Two years of extensive research and interviews with 150 solicitors found that 75% of solicitors support the idea of leaving a bequest in their Will compared to 51% of the general public.
The trend of generosity by solicitors continues with 1 out of every 2 regularly donating to charity, more solicitors than the national average volunteering their time and 28% taking part in fundraising events.
The study was carried out by Include a Charity – the collaborative research and awareness campaign launched by four of Australian’s largest charities, – Australian Red Cross, Mission Australia, Heart Foundation and The Cancer Council Australia, which promote the importance of having an up-to-date Will and including a bequest to charity.
Spokesperson for Include a Charity, Martin Paul says it is currently estimated that around 8% of Australians make charitable bequests, equating to over 10,000 bequests per year.
And, he says, every year bequests may provide such things as research, information and support for the 3.5 million Australians affected by cardiovascular disease, the 88,000 people diagnosed with cancer, the 100,000 homeless Australians and the 40,000 people affected by disasters such as bushfires and floods.
Paul says Include a Charity undertook the research into solicitors to find out about the sensitive issues surrounding bequests and it is extremely pleased to have proved the benevolence of solicitors.
Paul stressed that 80% of Australians over 60 use a solicitor to write their Will. So solicitors have a crucial role in informing and providing information to clients if they wish to bequest.
Include a Charity says that leaving a bequest is not about depriving family and friends. It is about assisting the charities that have shaped a persons life to continue their work for future generations.
The research was undertaken by Instinct and Reason (who specialise in consumer and business behaviour, needs, attitudes and intentions research)
Pro Bono Australia distributes its Australian Directory of Not for Profit Organisations free to 43,000 solicitors across Australia each year.
For further information please call the bequest information line on 1800 400 300 or visit the website at www.includeacharity.com.au
The research has been launched in the lead up to National Law Week which begins March 25th and offers free seminars on making a Will and other associated issues such as power-of-attorney.
To find out more about events in each state go to www.lawsociety.com.au
