To give the best advice to clients we need not only to employ and work with the best lawyers and business professionals, we must actively seek out as diverse a pool of individuals as possible. Why? Because to enable our clients to shape the world's possibilities requires a broad spectrum of people, each of whom bring their unique perspectives and experience to any advice, transaction or dispute.
Many lawyers came into the profession originally because of their sharp sense of justice, keen to play a role in public life. At Mishcon de Reya we have always embraced our role in public life and supported causes and campaigns driven by our people. From Lord Mishcon's role on the Wolfenden Committee in the 1950s which led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, to our pro bono work fighting equal pay claims for women in broadcasting since 2018, championing diversity and inclusion is part of the firm's essence. And both are true to our core values.
That said, it is not enough to lean on past successes. We need to ensure that these values also drive our business internally. We have long been focussed on achieving greater equality at every level in our business, but there is more for us to do. By critically assessing the initiatives we have in place, never being satisfied when the pace of change is too slow and holding ourselves accountable every day we can and will make change happen.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is made up of Partners and staff from across the Firm. Its task is to make sure the Firm continues to be as diverse as possible, with the stated aim of removing barriers to this wherever it can. One of its two co-chairs sits on the Board of the Firm with responsibility for ensuring that diversity informs the Board's decisions.
It is responsible for:
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setting the Firm's equity, diversity and inclusion strategy
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directing initiatives to fulfil that strategy
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monitoring and measuring their impact
Our EDI Networks
Alongside our EDI strands, we also have two key networks designed to bring together clients, contacts, colleagues and our wider communities for panels, social events and more.
Mishcon Pride: our LGBTQIA+ Network
Mishcon Pride includes our Pride Steering Committee and Pride Network. The Network is open to anyone who is interested in actively supporting and promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives.
M:Brace: our Race Equity Network
Mishcon M:BRACE helps ensure the visibility of Mishcon's growing, ethnically diverse population and that people feel a sense of belonging, inclusion and recognition.