The most innovative and successful examples of best practice in the promotion of equality and diversity were sought for this award. We looked for examples of clear benefits to organisations, employees and/or clients, from embracing equality and diversity policies and practices in the widest sense, to recruiting and retaining the most talented and motivated lawyers.
Winner
Paul Hastings LLP
The Paul Hastings entry highlights a variety of programmes and initiatives in the London office to advance and promote a more diverse culture. Programme collaborations with Black Solicitors Network, The Brokerage, John Scurr Primary School and Dress For Success have all focused on increasing the pool of diverse legal candidates.
Highly Commended
Rayden Solicitors
Rayden Solicitors has become one of the largest family practices in Hertfordshire by embracing an innovative approach to recruiting and retaining the most talented and motivated staff. Through adopting a flexible working policy, the firm has experienced sustained business growth, excellent staff morale and high levels of client satisfaction.
Joseph Frasier - Solicitors LLP
Joseph Frasier Solicitors launched a campaign, 'Representing Your Right to Be Heard' aimed at making legal services more accessible for deaf people. The firm is working with deaf organisations to improve accessibility in the way it works. This initiative has been received positively by deaf clients, communities and other law firms.
Shortlisted
AMV Law Ltd
An impressive 50 per cent of the AMV Law team are from ethnic minorities, 70 per cent of the fee earners are female and 42 per cent work part-time. AMV thrives by supporting its diverse workforce and continues to achieve excellent results for clients, employees and for the firm overall.
Dickinson Dees LLP
Through their values and commitment to the Equality and Diversity Charter, Dickinson Dees has developed and delivered positive action in equality practices. Working alongside other organisations, the firm actively looks at how they can continuously improve accessibility in the legal profession.
Eversheds LLP
In line with its progressive approach to corporate responsibility and diversity, this international law firm devised 'Eversheds Unlocked' a three-day experiential programme for first year A level students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme aimed to introduce the students to new experiences and provide them with tools to make decisions about their future career, and whether that might involve the law.
Olswang LLP
After identifying low awareness of disability issues within the organisation, Olswang partnered with leading equality organisations, creating a pioneering online training programme dedicated to raising awareness of disability issues. The impact of the initiative was so significant that the firm plans to share the training with the wider legal community.
Norton Rose LLP
Over the past twelve months Norton Rose has committed itself to challenging many of the barriers to success in the legal profession. They have particularly focused on social mobility, the development and retention of women and staff networks, to ensure that the best talent is nurtured and developed.
Simmons & Simmons LLP
Simmons & Simmons takes an innovative approach to facilitating equality and diversity within the supply chain. The firm's comprehensive ethical supply chain management process was devised to share and enable best practice within their supplier organisations, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring all stakeholders benefit from their engagements.