The foundation, funded by contributions from A&O Shearman partners worldwide, supports grassroots organisations that work to advance education, improve employment opportunities, and increase access to justice.

The latest allocation of £131,870, managed locally by the Belfast grants committee, brings the total funds distributed in Northern Ireland over the last five years to £452,328.

Simon Wagstaff, managing director for technology services and chair of Belfast grants committee, said: “We are proud to support charities whose work aligns with our three priority areas — education, employment and access to justice — each essential to building a fairer, more equitable society.

“Supporting this work at a grassroots level is more important than ever as the charity sector continues to navigate a challenging funding environment.”

The NSPCC, the North West Migrants Forum, the Special Education Needs Advice Centre (SENAC) and Ulster University are the organisations which have received awards for access to justice projects.

Awards relating to employment and education have been made to Action Mental Health, Adoption UK, Aspire NI, Business in the Community, Fighting Words, the Integrated Education Fund, Ulster Orchestra, Young Enterprise NI, MindWise, the Tall Ships Youth Trust, and Young Citizens.

In addition to financial assistance, the firm will work with all 15 organisations to identify volunteering and pro bono opportunities, making use of the skills and expertise of more than 800 employees in Belfast.

Mr Wagstaff said: “These are the cornerstones of our social impact work and part of our responsible business agenda.

“It’s our ambition that everyone in the office can find something that motivates and inspires them to get involved.”