Legal eagle tackles first deployment at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Lawyer Chloe O’Brien’s day job sees her providing free advice to a wide variety of international, national, and local non-profit and community organisations on behalf of prestigious London law firm, Sidley Austin.

She loves her job as Sidley Austin’s Pro Bono Counsel and is inspired by the good causes that many of her clients are involved in. So much so, that when she heard about RE:ACT’s work from Sidley Austin Partner and RE:ACT Trustee, Sara George, she decided she had to get involved.

Now, a few months after her application and initial training, Chloe has just completed her first deployment with RE:ACT as one of our amazing Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Responders.

As the Official Military Veteran Provider for the Games, RE:ACT provided Games Responders across the various Games venues to help with security duties during the twelve-day sporting extravaganza.

Australian Chloe, who lives with her partner in London, says she thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the time she spent in the West Midlands.

“I worked on security at both Arena Birmingham and the Coventry Arena during the Gymnastics and Rugby Sevens events. Our job was to support the military by providing extra security, scanning tickets, checking bags and some crowd management. It was my first time doing this kind of voluntary work, and I absolutely loved it,” said Chloe.

“It was terrific to meet all the other Games Responders. We all had such varied backgrounds - ex-soldiers, police, civilians – but there was terrific comradery and a fantastic can-do energy amongst us. I think every single person came away feeling as though they had contributed in a really meaningful way to this historic event.” she added.

Chloe said she was impressed that every RE:ACT team member was treated as an equal. Something which they all found hugely impressive.

“RE:ACT really is such a welcoming organisation. The headquarters’ team was so encouraging and everyone I met was super friendly, always ready to help if you needed it.”

Originally from Melbourne, Chloe says on paper she was an unlikely candidate

“I have never really done any hands-on voluntary work before. I thought my skillset was better suited to behind the scenes, desk-based support, but diving into the Commonwealth Games deployment really opened my eyes to all sorts of new opportunities.”

She has now signed up for RE:ACT mission alerts and is planning to do the charity’s Domestic Responder course as soon as she can. “I’m ready to tackle anything,” she adds!

So would she recommend RE:ACT to others?

“I would do without hesitation. RE:ACT has something for everyone, regardless of your current or previous life. I’d say go for it – volunteer and just throw yourself in there. You won’t regret it!”