Linklaters secures top spot on Stonewall rankings

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Magic circle law firm Linklaters LLP has topped Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, with other law firms, including Clifford Chance, Gateley Legal and Irwin Mitchell LLP, also making the list.  

The LGBTQ+ rights charity releases its Top 100 Employer’s List each year. It’s a voluntary benchmarking tool that assesses LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace using a range of factors, including training, staff engagement, policies and leadership.

Linklaters was praised for its LGBTQ+ network, induction process and reverse mentoring scheme. It was also commended for its inclusive policies, such as its healthcare provisions, which ensure LGBTQ+ mental healthcare is included.

Linklaters’ chief HR officer and executive committee LGBTQIA+ champion Angela Ogilvie explained: “Our people are the key to our success, and this ranking really highlights the inclusive and supportive environment we’ve built.

“Here, diversity is more than just supported – it’s celebrated, sparking innovation and helping us better serve our clients and our community.”

Elsewhere, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP rose to 15th place on the list this year. The firm cited its employee-led LGBTQ+ network as playing an “invaluable” role in its achievements and progress in this area. The co-chairs of the firm’s LGBTQ+ network said: “Improving our ranking for the third consecutive year is a testament to our firmwide approach and dedication and we are very pleased to have achieved this result.”

Other law firms included on Stonewall’s Top 100 Employer’s List are:

• Eversheds Sutherland (international) LLP;
• Osborne Clarke LLP; 
• Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; 
• RPC;
• Shepherd and Wedderburn; 
• Slaughter and May; and 
• Womble Bond Dickinson.

Colin Macfarlane, director of programmes and income at Stonewall, said: “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change.”