Driving social and professional commitment
by ilaria iaquinta
Taking a step forward in social commitment and strengthening their leadership in order to support the legal profession. This is the aim of the refoundation of the ICAM Cortina Foundation, as announced last June by the Illustrious Bar Association of Madrid (ICAM). The relaunch brought a new image, renewed competencies, and a dynamic structure.
The pillars of action in this new phase encompass five main elements: the centralisation of social activities, the professionalisation of the management team, the review and expansion of assistance benefits, the valorisation of volunteerism, and the creation of a new web platform to enhance interaction with members.
The board of trustees, headed by Eugenio Ribón as president and with Ana Buitrago as vice president and responsible for the social area of ICAM, reflects the diversity of the profession and includes representatives from the legal community in Madrid. This relaunch aims to have a positive impact on society by collaborating with over 200 beneficiary entities and developing projects alongside more than 1,200 volunteer members each year.
Furthermore, the Foundation has introduced significant initiatives such as “Bienestar Integral”, its well-being program, addressing the mental health challenges faced by the legal profession. This program provides psychological support, training workshops, executive coaching, and an observatory to assess well-being. Additionally, a revamped Senior Club has been inaugurated, offering a symbolic space within the association’s headquarters for members over 60 years old, promoting dialogue, reflection, and personal well-being through cultural and leisure activities. Finally, the Foundation has adjusted the criteria for its aids and benefits to reach a greater number of members.
What significance does the relaunch of the Foundation hold?
The relaunch has entailed expanding the Foundation’s scope, professionalising its management, and establishing a new board of trustees dedicated to ensuring the institution’s good governance. All of this signifies a renewed commitment to the foundational goals of the institution and, concurrently, a profound transformation necessary to align with the evolving needs of our members and Madrid society. This involves updating its mission and strategy to make them more effective and relevant.
What are the main objectives regarding support for members and society in general?
The Foundation aims to accompany its members throughout various stages of their lives, providing them with the necessary tools for both professional and personal well-being and development. Furthermore, the Foundation advocates for the improvement of rights, bringing justice closer to society, especially to those groups experiencing vulnerability, thereby humanising the legal profession. We offer a variety of assistance and benefits to our members, including support for childbirth and adoption, assistance for studies at different educational levels, medical aid for various needs not covered by social security, assistance for elderly care facilities, and a Solidarity Fund for situations of special economic vulnerability.
Could you share some significant achievements since the foundation’s reestablishment?
The widespread support from all sectors of the legal profession in Madrid for our project, facilitated through the new board of trustees, the creation of a professionalised and highly efficient management model, the Comprehensive Well-being program, the review of assistance and benefits, the introduction of the new Senior Club, and the numerous social projects in collaboration with the third sector, academic institutions, and the Public Administration are specific accomplishments that we take pride in. Additionally, the dedicated work of our volunteers, who selflessly contribute, has been highlighted through a social media campaign on World Volunteer Day.
