Partners Hail 'Fantastic Achievement'

Senior partners in Irwin Mitchell have hailed the firm’s success in being named in the Top 100 UK companies for equality in the workplace by a leading campaign group – the second time the company has been praised for its diversity credentials in less than a month.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual lobby group Stonewall placed Irwin Mitchell 93rd of companies in all sectors of the UK, as well as also awarding it prestigious Star Performer status for its work in promoting equality across its offices in the UK.

The news comes less than a month after the national law firm was also named in the Top 5 law firms for diversity by the Black Solicitors Network.

And the latest accolade, which reflects a stunning leap in the table of 145 places in just two years, is a reward for the work put in by Irwin Mitchell’s dedicated Diversity Board and its IMEqual working group, which has promoted lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) issues throughout the firm since being established two years ago.

Since then, the group – led by Partner Jane Wright and with members from all levels throughout the firm – has run internal roadshows to raise awareness of its work and key events, such as the firm’s continued support of Pride events in cities such as Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

Other initiatives have included hosting seminars on parenting in same sex relationships and civil partnerships and drop in sessions for members of the LGBT community in local offices.

Welcoming the news, Jane Wright said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the IMEqual group and the Diversity Board who, just two years ago, set the goal of making it into the Top 100 within two years.

“This success is testament to the hard work and commitment of those individuals who have been involved in driving forward the IMEqual group, the volunteers at Pride events over the last year and the Diversity Board, who have continued to champion this agenda at the highest level.“

Stuart Henderson, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Diversity Board, added: “This is yet more welcome news and further recognition of the important and significant strides we have made in this important area. To be named in the Top 100 is great news but to be one of the few firms recognised as a Star Performer by Stonewall is the icing on the cake.

“This builds on the further recognition we had just recently from the Black Solicitors Network and shows the importance we attach to ensuring Irwin Mitchell is a great place for everybody regardless of their background, gender or sexuality. We will continue to celebrate the diversity of our people, our clients and the communities in which we operate.”