Ground-breaking BSN diversity initiative open for 2013 submissions
The legal profession’s ground-breaking diversity initiative, the BSN Diversity League Table (DLT), is currently open for submissions from UK law firms and Chambers who are at the forefront of demonstrating a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. DLT reporting covers Social Mobility, Gender, Ethnicity, Disabilities and Sexual Orientation.
The Diversity League Table started in 2006, pre-dating all of the current diversity reporting initiatives and regulatory requirements. The DLT is actually seen by many as the original diversity initiative; promoting transparency and kick-starting a new way of approaching how the industry looks at solutions to addressing inequality within the profession.
Fast-forward to 2013 and now in its 8th year, data presented on those firms and Chambers within the Diversity League Table continues to go far beyond regulatory requirements; reinforcing participant’s commitment to transparency and pushing boundaries in the search for ever-more impactful solutions.
The Law Society of England and Wales is a lead sponsor and supporter of the 2013 Diversity League Table. The DLT has also received support and backing from the profession’s main regulatory and representative bodies, including the LSB, SRA, BSB, Bar Council and CILEx.
The Government’s Social Mobility lead, the Rt. Hon. Alan Milburn in his May 2012 report directly encouraged “…all members of the profession to respond” to an invitation to take part in the Diversity League Table.
Nwabueze Nwokolo, the BSN Chair said, “We would encourage support for all of the profession’s diversity initiatives. The industry faces huge challenges. We should consider a variety of approaches, and the use of multiple activities, resources and energies can only help accelerate change.” She continued, “For example, it should not be a question of ‘The Law Society’s Diversity & Inclusion Charter or the Diversity League Table?’, but more ‘the Charter AND the Diversity League Table.’ “
The Diversity League Table is unique, presenting a range of information in a format that is valuable to a cross-section of industry stakeholders. Importantly providing key data for participating firms and Chambers, from which informed, practical and real-time decisions can be made; specific to the priorities of the organisation.
The Diversity League Table also enables purchasers of legal services to quickly identify those who, in terms of equality and diversity, are transparent and open, with an obvious appetite for seeking further improvement.
Nwokolo concluded by saying, “Signing up to the Charter is an important step. And some might not be ready to go much further at this stage. And that is fine. However, there are many firms, and Chambers, who are ready, able and willing, and we look forward to seeing them represented within the Diversity League Table, now and in the future.”
The Attorney General, Dominic Grieve QC MP said, in an interview in the 2010 Diversity League Table, “I want to see the number of Chambers and law firms participating in the League Table increasing year-on-year as by doing so it will enable diversity and equality policies to be promoted.”.
The 2012 Diversity League Table saw record levels of participation, with over 70 firms and Chambers from across the UK taking part. The finished publication also provides an industry overview, as well as case studies, thought-pieces and interviews with industry leaders.
Eligibility; firms featured in the Lawyers UK 200 list, including the international firms with a UK office, and Chambers with 30 or more members. Invitations have already been sent.
The deadline for 2013 submissions is Friday 21st June.
Eligible firms and Chambers who are interested in taking part and require more information should contact the Research Project Manager & Publisher, Godwin Ohajah by email :diversity@blacksolicitorsnetwork.co.uk or call: 0845 057 0515.
The 2013 Diversity League Table will be published in the autumn.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS:
The Diversity League Table is a Black Solicitors Network (BSN) initiative, sponsored by the Law Society, and supported by the Bar Council, the Legal Services Board (LSB), the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Bar Standards Board (BSB), Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).
The BSN is a not-for-profit organisation. Formally recognised by the Law Society in 2003, the BSN has been supporting and promoting the development of minority lawyers in the UK since 1995.
The BSN is an inclusive rather than exclusive organisation, our reputation is such that we also attract, and welcome, members from across the cultural and diversity spectrum.
Participation in the BSN Diversity League Table is voluntary.
The BSN Diversity League Table is project-managed and published by Satsuma on behalf of the Black Solicitors Network.
For press and general information about the Diversity League Table please contact Satsuma on 0845 057 0515 or by email on: godwin@satsumaconsultancy.co.uk
See below for the full list of 2012 participants:
| Firms | Chambers |
| Addleshaw Goddard
Allen & Overy LLP Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP Ashurst LLP Baker & McKenzie LLP Berwin Leighton Paisner Blake Lapthorn Charles Russell LLP Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Clifford Chance DWF LLP Edwards Wildman Palmer UK LLP Flint Bishop LLP Freeth Cartwright LLP Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Herbert Smith LLP Hogan Lovells International LLP Irwin Mitchell K&L Gates LLP Latham & Watkins Linklaters LLP Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP Mayer Brown International LLP McGrigors LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP Nabarro LLP Norton Rose LLP Olswang LLP O’Melveny & Myers LLP Pannone LLP Paul Hastings LLP Pinsent Masons Reed Smith LLP Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP Russell-Cooke Shearman & Sterling (London) Shoosmiths Sidley Austin LLP Simmons & Simmons SNR Denton UK LLP Squire Sanders (UK) LLP Taylor Wessing LLP Trowers & Hamlins Ward Hadaway Weightmans LLP Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP White & Case LLP Winckworth Sherwood LLP Withers LLP |
11KBW
18 Red Lion Court 23 Essex Street 25 Bedford Row 4 New Square 9 Bedford Row 9 Gough Square Atkinson Bevan Chambers Atlantic Chambers Coram Chambers Cornerstone Barristers Devereux Chambers Five Paper Fountain Court Hardwicke Matrix Chambers New Park Court Chambers One Crown Office Row Outer Temple Serle Court Temple Garden Chambers Thirty Nine Essex Street Chambers Tooks Chambers |