Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has advised long-standing pro-bono client Steel Warriors on its partnership with Gymshark. The partnership is set to include a donation to Steel Warriors, as well as a range of co-branded clothing and the sale proceeds going to Steel Warriors.

Steel Warriors, a charity dedicated to reducing knife crime in the UK, has been a pro-bono client of the firm since December 2018. It empowers young people to succeed and fosters stronger, safer and better-connected communities. It achieves this by taking knives off the street, melting down the steel and using this to build outdoor calisthenic training centres. The street workouts transform the lives of young people affected by crime, violence and social exclusion, giving them the skills and confidence to create positive futures. Gymshark is a fitness apparel, manufacturer and online retailer based in the United Kingdom.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by partner Paul Chases and associates Ruby Plumb and Laura Kendrick.

Paul Chases, partner, said, “we are so very proud to have been a part of the Steel Warriors journey from the beginning.  It has been a privilege to advise Steel Warriors every step of the way and help turn their idea of melting confiscated knives to build outdoor calisthenic gyms into a reality.  They now have gyms in Finsbury Park, Ruskin Park and Langdon Park (London).  We will be there every step of the way as Steel Warriors now focuses on building outdoor calisthenic gyms nationwide“.

Ruby Plumb, associate, said, “Being a part of the negotiation and documentation of the collaboration between Gymshark and Steel Warriors has been a real career highlight. Gymshark has been an amazing organisation to work with from start to finish and I’m excited to see how Steel Warriors can grow their incredible initiatives with the support of this partnership.“