Fieldfisher’s Just Purpose initiative continues to demonstrate how global professional services firms can contribute meaningfully to solving complex societal issues. As part of its ongoing commitment to social impact and sustainability, Fieldfisher recently partnered with international charity Social Shifters to support youth-led innovation through the Global Innovation Challenge.

This global programme, designed to equip young changemakers with the skills and resources they need to bring their ideas to life, attracted over 850 innovative submissions. Each project proposed a unique, scalable solution to a critical global challenge—from climate change to education access, disability rights, and beyond.

Recognising Excellence: Invicta Awarded Fieldfisher Grant

Among the standout entries was Invicta, a Berlin-based social enterprise founded by Eden Tadesse. Invicta offers a transformative digital platform that connects displaced youth with personalised career development opportunities, helping refugees build skills, access mentorship, and secure sustainable employment.

Thanks to the strength and clarity of their vision, Invicta was selected as the recipient of the Fieldfisher grant—a $3,000 seed fund—along with a bespoke package of pro bono support from the firm. This combination of funding and professional mentorship is intended to help Invicta scale its operations and deepen its impact across refugee communities worldwide.

Global Volunteerism: The Power of Professional Skills in Action

A key differentiator of Fieldfisher’s involvement in the Global Innovation Challenge was the depth and diversity of employee engagement. Across the firm’s international offices, 85 professionals volunteered over 350 hours of their time to assess project submissions. Each volunteer carefully reviewed 10 projects, applying criteria such as social impact, innovation, feasibility, and scalability.

Following the judging phase, 16 Fieldfisher volunteers transitioned into mentorship roles, offering pitch coaching, storytelling advice, and strategic guidance to shortlisted finalists. This hands-on involvement enabled young social entrepreneurs to refine their messaging and present compelling cases to secure support.

Entrepreneurial Mentorship: A Personal Reflection from Invicta’s Founder
Eden Tadesse, the visionary behind Invicta, spoke highly of her experience with Fieldfisher’s coaching team:

“The Social Shifters programme was incredibly enjoyable. The Fieldfisher team didn’t just offer sound advice; they genuinely boosted my confidence as an entrepreneur. Their guidance helped me sharpen how I communicate Invicta’s story and mission—to connect refugees with meaningful career opportunities. I’m excited to see how this experience will continue to amplify our work and extend our reach.”

This testimonial underscores the value of not just financial investment, but also relational and intellectual capital, in supporting early-stage social ventures.

Social Shifters and Fieldfisher: A Shared Vision for Impact

Founded to empower the next generation of social and environmental leaders, Social Shifters is redefining how young people engage with global challenges. The charity provides structured learning, mentorship, and access to capital for youth-led initiatives worldwide.

David Haddow, Co-Founder of Social Shifters, praised the Fieldfisher collaboration:

“We are incredibly grateful for Fieldfisher’s support. Their employee volunteers made a meaningful difference to hundreds of young social entrepreneurs. These partnerships show us that sustainable development is not just a concept, but something we can see in practice. Young people have solutions, and with the right support, they can bring them to life.”

Fieldfisher’s Just Purpose Programme: Creating Meaningful Change

The Just Purpose programme is Fieldfisher’s flagship social impact initiative. It encompasses a wide range of pro bono legal support, community partnerships, and skills-based volunteering projects. It also works in concert with the firm’s sustainability strategy, which focuses on reducing environmental impact and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Millie Hawes, Head of Just Purpose, reflected on the partnership’s significance:

“Working with Social Shifters has provided our people with a purposeful avenue to channel their skills. In a world facing continuous societal challenges, this initiative enabled us to connect our global talent pool with youth-led solutions. We believe in empowering change, and this is just one way we contribute to building a more equitable future.”

Conclusion: A Model for Collaborative Impact

The success of Invicta in the Social Shifters’ Global Innovation Challenge represents more than a single achievement—it exemplifies what’s possible when organisations invest in young changemakers through thoughtful collaboration. By combining financial support, mentorship, and strategic insight, Fieldfisher has helped amplify a vital mission: equipping refugee youth with tools to build brighter, self-determined futures.

As Fieldfisher and Social Shifters continue to expand their partnership, the impact of initiatives like Just Purpose is set to grow—supporting innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

The message is clear: with the right guidance and community behind them, young social entrepreneurs can drive the sustainable change our world needs.

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