Excellence in Equality & Diversity 2008
The most innovative and successful examples of best practice in the promotion of equality and diversity in the solicitors' profession were sought for this award. We looked for examples of clear benefits to organisations, employees and clients, from embracing equality and diversity policies and practices in the widest sense, to recruiting and retaining the most talented and motivated lawyers. This award was open to all in the legal sector.
Winner: Eversheds
Eversheds stood out in a field of very strong contenders because it was crystal clear from their entry the extent to which they have embraced equality and diversity, and that it is integrated into all that they do. They've established a multi-faith network group and an LGBT group, are engaging with disabled students to consider a career in a major law firm, and have set up a programme of E&D training for all staff – from trainees to partners. A staff member at each of their offices is dedicated to diversity work. They overhauled their graduate recruitment process, significantly increasing the proportion of ethnic minority trainees and have one of the highest number of female partners of the top 10 firms.
Highly commended: Interlaw Diversity Forum
InterLaw is an innovative project established by Daniel Winterfeldt, corporate partner with
Simmons & Simmons. The forum is an inter-organisational platform for LGBT networks which involves more than 40 law firms and 30 financial institutions and encourages co-operation and the sharing of experience and best practice. It also provides guidance and support to employers on developing and implementing their diversity and inclusion strategies.
Shortlisted: Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance’s commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues
encourages an inclusive and integrated culture within the firm and raises awareness
nationally and around the world. In 2008 the firm has provided pro bono advice to the
International Lesbian and Gay Association, launched an inaugural transatlantic pride art
exhibition and promoted diversity issues to clients and the press through involvement
with external LGBT organisations.
Shortlisted: Lovells LLP
Lovells’ Widening Access programme works with a variety of organisations to reach people
from diverse backgrounds who may be at risk of exclusion from a career in law. This
outreach work takes a number of forms including open days for Islamia Girls’ School, work
experience weeks for the Black Lawyers’ Directory Legal Launch programme, open days for
sixth form students, and workshops and careers guidance for students at inner city schools.
Shortlisted: Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons’ commitment to equality and diversity has been demonstrated by the
creation of dedicated firm-wide groups for women, LGBT and BME staff. The firm is
also committed to promoting diversity in its supply chain and continually audits its own
diversity data. In recognition of this work, Stonewall has listed the firm as a top employer
in its Workplace Equality Index, the only law firm to ever achieve this accolade.
Shortlisted: Simmons & Simmons
The London Diversity Committee at Simmons & Simmons works on a series of initiatives
designed to encourage an inclusive environment within the firm. A key project for 2008
was the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Week, where each diversity network within the
firm had the opportunity to raise awareness by hosting an event. These events engaged
both staff and clients and took the form of film screenings, exhibitions and addresses by
guest speakers.