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Claire England – Inclusivity Manager Berwin Leighton Paisner

DiversCity aims to increase LGBT representation in the legal profession by providing mentoring, networking, and dispelling misconceptions. Learn how this initiative is making a positive impact!

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Claire England – Inclusivity Manager Berwin Leighton Paisner

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  1. Widening Participation – DiversCityA focus on increasing lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) graduates into the legal sector Claire England – Inclusivity Manager Berwin Leighton Paisner

  2. What is DiversCity? • A unique recruitment event aimed at raising awareness of pursuing a legal career in the City amongst LGBT students • Includes ongoing mentoring • Aims: • Forum to showcase successful experiences of LGBT lawyers • Dispel any misconceptions young aspiring LGBT lawyers might have • Attract LGBT candidates to the profession and build a pipeline of diverse talent • Provide an opportunity to build networks • Ensure the profession continues to strengthen as an LGBT friendly environment

  3. Business context • Law is a traditional profession • Perceived as less inclusive by the LGBT community • Criticised for lack of diversity • Growing importance of diversity – need to diversify our employee base

  4. Origins • Berwin Leighton Paisner & Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) had active LGBT groups and a passion for diversity • More would be achieved through collaboration • Through BLP & HSF networks contacted other firms to get involved • 6 firms in the first year (2010) • 11 firms now involved (2015 – 5th annual event) • 6 further firms keen to join

  5. Outcomes • Event attendees were able to: • Combat any misconceptions • Gain confidence • Receive advice on job applications & skills sessions to prepare them for what is a highly sought after career • Learn to deal with their sexual/gender identification in a formal work setting • Build up their networks

  6. Evidence of Impact NB: a little early to tell – due to long lead time – at any point the sector is recruiting for graduates to start two years later • 78% of attendees strongly agreed that on the basis of attending the event they feel confident about pursuing the career • 90% of 2011 event attendees went on to apply to at least one sponsoring firm • The number of attendees that are now going on to receive job offers is increasing year on year

  7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEkXXaWPgko

  8. Questions?

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