Lawyers rocking for a cause in Portugal and Spain
Rock’n’law, the main event that unites music and charity in the legal sector in the Iberian peninsula, turns 15 years old with an inspiring story of success. Don’t miss the concert in Lisbon, on November 8th
by glória paiva
For 15 years, once a year, lawyers from the main law firms in Portugal and Spain leave competition and work aside, pick up their musical instruments and unite towards a common goal. It’s Rock’n’law, for the Portuguese, or Rock&Law, for the Spanish, the main event that unites music and charity in the legal sector in the Iberian peninsula, a project with an inspiring story of success.
The idea came up in 2009, when several law firms in Lisbon decided to organize a charity concert featuring bands formed by lawyers. The initiative has been held annually in the Portuguese capital since its inception and, in 2010, was introduced to Spain, where it has taken place every two years. The formula is the same in both Lisbon and Madrid: since the first edition, the festival has chosen a different cause to support every time.
The organizing law firms in Portugal include Abreu Advogados; CMS Portugal; Cuatrecasas; DLA Piper – ABBC; Eversheds Sutherland FCB; Garrigues; Gómez – Acebo & Pombo; Linklaters; Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados; PLMJ Advogados; SRS Legal; Sérvulo & Associados; Uría Menéndez, and Vieira de Almeida. In Spain, the promoters are the law firms Cuatrecasas (Fundación Cuatrecasas), Garrigues (Fundación Garrigues), Gómez-Acebo & Pombo (Fundación Fernando Pombo), and Uría Menéndez (Fundación Profesor Uría).
THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY
In Lisbon, over the past 14 editions, the initiative has raised more than €950,000 and supported 21 social projects. This year, the organization aims to reach the milestone of €1,000,000 in donations with the concert that will take place on November 8th at the LX-Factory. Nine bands made up of lawyers from the organizing law firms and one DJ will take the stage to raise donations for Une.Idades, an association tackling the lack of student housing and the social isolation of seniors.
“Even during the pandemic, we never stopped supporting those in need. In 2020, Rock’n’Law supported professionals in the entertainment and audiovisual sectors. In 2021, even without the live event, we collected donations that were directed towards mental health issues”, explains João Louro e Costa, counselor at Uría Menéndez in Portugal and spokesperson for the event.
This year, the funds raised from the sale of entrances, sponsorships from partner companies, donations and support from participating law firms will go to Une.Idades, a non-profit association established in 2023. In its project, seniors offer a room for youngsters in their home and, in return, benefit from the company of a student. On the other hand, young people gain access to safe, comfortable and affordable housing. “We chose this cause because we recognize that the lack of access to housing perpetuates the cycle of poverty, and today the problem is worsening in various vulnerable populations in Portugal”, notes Louro e Costa.
Tickets are still available for Rock’n’Law in Lisbon on November 8th. Get yours here
