Our People

Creating awareness and allies

Providing an inclusive environment for everyone begins with education and empathy. That’s why we invited some exceptional LGBTQ+ speakers to share their stories.

We welcomed Kellie Maloney – previously known a Frank Maloney, one of the biggest names in boxing – to talk us through her transitioning journey and importance of having allies during a challenging time. Bringing our attention to transgender awareness, leading LGTBI activist CN Lester added to our understanding of how to be a trans ally.

Voices from within our Firm also helped us to dispel some of the myths about bi-sexuality through an open conversation between Associate Sam Lear, Trainee Solicitor Isabella MacPherson and a guest panellist from another law firm. In a vodcast the panel discussed some of the misconceptions around being bi.

Watching our language

We’ve also been expanding the avenues for showing support. This can start with something as simple as adding an identifying pronoun to an email signature, encouraging others to do the same to help to nurture a more inclusive environment for all and it is an effective way of signalling allyship. Nearly 100 members of our Firm took this easy but effective step after we provided the opportunity.

Our D&I Partner for LGBTQ+ Equality, Mark Smith, helped to launch our initiative on gender neutral drafting. By taking a unified approach right across our communications and documentation, we’re making sure no assumptions are made about a person’s gender, gender identity or sexual orientation and that we don’t reinforce gender stereotypes.

Being out-spoken

Reflecting our Pride

Many have missed, for the second year running, the opportunity to come together at the London Pride March. This annual get-together for staff, their friends and family members has become a key date in the Charles Russell Speechlys diary. Instead, this year 14 members of the LGBTQ+ Committee and allies produced four videos over the month reflecting on what Pride means to them.

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people added pronouns. Across our Firm, we’ve encouraged our people to add pronouns to their email signatures.

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Pride Month views. Our dedicated Pride Month videos and pages received nearly 200 watches/interactions.

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