Law Firm Climbs More Than 60 Places And Wins Star Performer Accolade

Senior partners at Irwin Mitchell have paid tribute to the successful diversity initiatives which have helped the firm climb an impressive 64 places in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index in just its second year within the Top 100.

The lesbian, gay and bisexual lobby group has placed the leading national law firm 33rd in its overall countdown of the best UK companies for equality in the workplace, putting it within the top three highest ranking law firms and building significantly on last year’s placing of 97th.

In addition, the firm’s diversity network group IMEqual, led by Partner Jane Wright to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual issues across its offices, was awarded the prestigious Star Performer award for the second consecutive year. The special award was given to only 48 out of the 363 companies which took part.

The success reflects the excellent work by both IMEqual and the firm’s dedicated Diversity Board, which works to actively raise awareness and promote diversity across its offices through a range of activities and support for Pride events held in cities including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham.

Hailing the news, Jane Wright said: “The latest Stonewall rankings are undoubtedly a strong testament to the continuing commitment of the firm to champion and support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual issues at all levels of the organisation.

“The dedication to this issue has undoubtedly paid off. To climb more than 60 places in just our second year within the Top 100 is a phenomenal achievement, while it is equally impressive to see IMEqual named as a Star Performer once again.

“Our championing of diversity at all levels across the firm perfectly complements our efforts as a full-service organisation to provide a diverse range of legal services to clients across the UK.”

Stuart Henderson, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Board, added: “We have always placed an emphasis on ensuring that diversity is fully recognised and celebrated by Irwin Mitchell, making its offices a great place for everyone to work.

“This latest ranking is a terrific achievement that shows how we continue to make exceptional strides on the issue of promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual issues, while to be once again named a Star Performer is truly outstanding.

“The news comes weeks after Irwin Mitchell was shortlisted in The Lawyer‘s Workplace and Diversity Awards, while we are also one of the first 130 businesses to sign the Government’s Social Mobility Compact.

“It is a brilliant tribute to the excellent work of the IMEqual group and we look forward to building on this great success over the coming years.”