Law firms join forces to ensure firms are equipped to have conversations about race
25 January 2021
25 January 2021
NOTICED, the UK’s first inter-law firm diversity network which is comprised of thirteen City firms, is today launching a new toolkit offering a structured approach to conversations which many individuals otherwise feel is difficult to have.
The guide, which can be viewed here addresses a range of issues. It will help individuals identify and deal with micro-aggressions, understand what actions can help them be an effective ally and hold effective conversations in the workplace. The guide also offers a number of practical solutions that law firms can take to improve. These focus on hiring and promotion and how firms can expand support beyond the legal profession.
The launch of the guide follows member firms having individually taken a range of actions to address issues relating to race and ethnicity in the workplace*.
Law Society of England and Wales president David Greene said:
“We are pleased to contribute to NOTICED’s toolkit and hope this provides a useful resource for firms. The events of 2020 and our recent research into the experiences of black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors has shown that now more than ever it is important for firms and legal businesses to lead from the front and have frank conversations about how to create a more inclusive workforce.”
Siddhartha Shukla, senior associate at Herbert Smith Freehills and co-chair of NOTICED, says:
"Given the increasing focus on ethnic and cultural diversity following events of 2020, NOTICED was keen to provide something tangible for member firms and the wider legal community to use when trying to improve the quality of conversations about race in the workplace. It is important that firms continue with the momentum that has been generated. We hope the toolkit will prove to be a useful resource for improving firms' awareness and perspective when dealing with issues relating to racial and cultural diversity."
Ramesh Pani, associate at Ashurst and co-chair of NOTICED, adds:
“Talking about race in the workplace may not be easy but it's a conversation that needs to be had – now more than ever. Open dialogue and discussion are critical to ensuring that our workplaces are truly diverse and inclusive. The toolkit aims to help facilitate this and we are confident that firms will find it a useful starting point for these discussions in advance of taking meaningful actions.”
*Some of the actions already undertaken by member firms include: