Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We want to create an inclusive workplace where every single one of our people can thrive as their authentic selves, eliminating conscious bias and mitigating unconscious bias, actively supporting and supported by our colleagues. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion makes us a better law firm and helps us to deliver the best experience for our clients, attract the best talent, and drive innovation.
Defined by Inclusivity
Our employee network groups
In the UK, we run a number of engaged and inclusive employee networks, each focusing on a different area of diversity. Click on a film below to learn more about each of our networks.
Our commitment to DEI
Our commitment to delivering on DEI is a strategic priority for the firm. We take a multi-faceted approach to our DEI goals and objectives that leverage the strength of our people. Whether it is training and team building, accountability through leadership, sponsorship and mentorship or collaboration with clients, all of our work is driven by our core mission to cultivate an inclusive workplace where all of our people can reach their full potential as their authentic selves, to create a better, stronger and more collaborative firm that allows us to deliver the highest level of service for our clients.
In our most recent graduate trainee recruitment round, 43% of our hires were from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and 28% from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Recognition and reward
Our work and our people are viewed by many as at the cutting edge equity and inclusion. There is always more to do and no room for complacency, but these accolades show we are on the right path in the UK:
Women in Law Empowerment (WILEF) Gold Standard
Achieved Women in Law Empowerment (WILEF) Gold Standard Certification for the last four consecutive years
Silver Certification in the National Inclusion Standard (NIS)
Achieved Silver Certification in the National Inclusion Standard (NIS) in 2022. This step-by-step evidence-based accreditation tool is the benchmark for workplace inclusion covering all protected characteristics and wider inclusion and diversity issues. We are the first law firm to achieve this standard.
Top 75 in Social Mobility Employer Index
Ranked in the Top 50 Social Mobility Employer Index in 2018 and Top 75 for four consecutive years since 2019.
Mansfield Certification Plus
We achieved Mansfield Certification Plus in the UK in 2022. The Mansfield Rule aims to boost representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in firm leadership
Silver in the Global Stonewall Employer Index
We are proud to have achieved Silver in the Global Stonewall Employer Index, recognising the steps we are taking to advance LGBTQ+ equality across our global locations