Top Law Firms Sign Up to Diversity

Twenty-four of the Cityís leading law firms and barristersí chambers, led by Linklaters and Weil, Gotshal & Manges are meeting today to sign up to the Global Graduates Diversity in Law ëStatement of Intentí highlighting their commitment to improving workplace diversity and ensuring the broadest possible range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds are represented in their firms.

Over one hundred leading legal representatives will attend the Global Graduates seminar chaired by Giles White, Global Head of Finance and Projects at Linklaters. The keynote speakers are; Stephen J. Dannhauser, and Michael Francies, chairman and UK managing partner respectively of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Yolande Beckles, CEO Global Graduates.

Endorsed by the Department of Constitutional Affairs and the Bar Council, the Diversity in Law ëStatement of Intentí marks the legal professionís recognition of the ëdiversity dividendí and its commitment to developing and implementing diversity best practise standards in the recruitment, retention and promotion of talent by their firms.
Giles White, Global head of finance and projects at Linklaters, will say:

ëLaw firms, like other professional service firms, need to attract and retain the best people from whatever background they may come. We must ñ because we owe it to the communities in which we operate and because it makes good business sense ñ do everything we can to expand and develop the pool of talent on which we can draw. Linklaters is therefore proud to be signing up to this Statement of Intent, which is an important step in making a positive commitment to opening our doors wider.í

Yolande Beckles, CEO of Global Graduates, will say:

ëThe Statement of Intent marks a turning point in the legal professionís collective and active commitment to diversity. Law firms are waking up to the benefits of the diversity dividend, and recognise that they can reap its benefits through recruiting, retaining and promoting a diversity of talent. The Statement of Intent is a welcomed starting point, and in the coming months Global Graduates will be working with our signatory firms to develop core objectives in these areas.í

Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP will say:

ëWe must continue to anticipate and respond to the needs of our clients and employees and overcome the challenges that present themselves in the process. To compete and excel in the global marketplace, to practice law at the highest level, there is simply no room for parochialism, for if you exclude someone on the basis of this or her race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, you may be limiting your firms ability to service clients whose concerns and needs are variegated as the world is vast. Our commitment to diversity, though animated by ideals of justice and merit, encompasses more than a sense of fair play ñ it goes straight to our bottom line.í

Michael Francis, UK Managing Partner of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP will say:

ëThe past decade has witnessed some great strides in the field of diversity, particularly with the entry of women and ethnic minorities into the legal profession. However, the profile of the typical city partner remains white and predominantly male and there is still much work for the profession to do to ensure that we recruit the best possible range of people from every part of the community.í