Clifford Chance celebrates commitment to LGBT equality and diversity at Pride and beyond
Leading law firm Clifford Chance celebrates its commitment to equality and diversity, from supporting Pride to working with its LGBT network Arcus.
Clifford Chance has an aim to encourage an inclusive and integrated culture within the Firm that gives our colleagues the choice to be open and out. It was this aim which led to us becoming the first Law firm to partner with National Student Pride in 2012/13, and subsequently becoming gold sponsors for 2013/14.
Involvement in National Student Pride has helped us demonstrate our support for the LGBT community, ensuring we reach students throughout their time at university. Not only were our lawyers, trainees and graduate recruitment team in attendance at National Student Pride, but we also brought along the newest (and some would say most popular) member of our team – the Clifford Chance photo booth, which unsurprisingly went down a storm with the students!
When considering how best to develop our reputation as an employer of choice for LGBT students considering a career in Law our graduate recruitment team work closely with Arcus, the Firm’s network for LGBT colleagues and their friends. Our Arcus network fosters an inclusive environment that permits each LGBT colleague to feel comfortable about their sexual orientation or gender identity. We believe that this is essential if we are to allow everyone to develop to their maximum potential.
Stuart, a lawyer with Clifford Chance commented on his involvement with Arcus and Student Pride, saying: “Before starting my career, there was a concern that being gay would somehow limit my career progression. This was not the case with Clifford Chance who from my first days as a trainee encouraged us to simply be ourselves. With support from our LGBT group and by partners in the firm (both gay and straight) leading by example and advocating a clear anti-discriminatory message it is clear that I had nothing to worry about.
“At Clifford Chance I have been able to get on with my career without my sexuality being an issue and have even been encouraged to bring my partner to client-networking events. I feel privileged to have received the support and encouragement of Clifford Chance to work in an open, diverse and inclusive environment.”
Alex, a trainee at the firm, and also a member of Arcus, added: “Working at Clifford Chance is great in many respects – the people, the international opportunities, even the office itself, and during the application process I felt right away that this was a place where I could be myself. Having met many other LGBT lawyers in the office, this feeling is shared.
“While it is not a major issue in my day-to-day life in the firm, I’ve always felt comfortable to speak openly with colleagues if the topic of relationships comes up. I have also become involved in Arcus – the firm’s LGBT network. Arcus events take place on several occasions throughout the year and often in conjunction with other LGBT groups around the City. These events are not only a handy way to get to know other lawyers within the firm but also contribute to strengthening our client relationships. The annual Pride Art Exhibition is the perfect example – as the firm’s largest client event, it is well attended by senior management and clients look forward to it every year.
“In short, Clifford Chance encourages all of its trainees to be successful and does everything it can to make it so. Our concern with LGBT issues forms only part of the wide-ranging commitment to diversity which puts everyone on a level playing field and makes Clifford Chance a great place to work.”
Information about the Clifford Chance graduate scheme is available at the firm’s dedicated website.
Clifford Chance is a PinkNews advertiser.
