Lawyers and bankers bat for Mumbai

Acharity cricket match between bankers and lawyers was held on 8 March at Parsee Gymkhana, Mumbai, raising more than Rs100,000 (US$2,000) for victims of the November terrorist attacks in the city.The 25-over match was sponsored by international law firm Dorsey & Whitney.

The event was the brainchild of Jamie Benson, special counsel in Dorsey & Whitney’s London office. He was one of the guests at the Oberoi Trident Hotel who was forced to hide in his room for days during the lengthy attacks. “I was very grateful to be rescued alive,” says Benson, “but also aware that many good people were not as fortunate as myself.”

With the aim of raising funds for the families of the 10 staff members of the Oberoi Trident Hotel who were killed in the attacks, Benson invited representatives from Indian investment banks and corporate law firms to a social cricket match with a mission. Dorsey & Whitney’s pledge was that for every wicket taken and every “six” hit, the firm would donate Rs2,500 to the Oberoi Care Fund, with a minimum donation of Rs100,000. “Our firm is a strong supporter of India and the Indian people, and we hope that the charity match will help needy families,” said John Chrisman, head of Dorsey & Whitney’s India practice, before the big day.