Diversity and Inclusion Annual Review 2023
Our progress this year
Diversity and inclusion
Gender
We want to ensure Freshfields is gender diverse at all levels, particularly within the partnership.
To achieve this aim we use a range of measures, including setting targets for partner promotions and initiatives such as our global sponsorship programme for women.
We know we need to create a working environment that is equally welcoming to all, regardless of gender identity. We also understand the benefits of bringing together people with shared interests and common goals, and our women’s networks are an integral part of this.
Outside our firm, we take an active role globally in the 30% Club, a group of business leaders committed to achieving better gender balance at all levels of commerce.
Launched in November 2018, the EDGE Commitment has been developed by our Women’s Network in London in collaboration with colleagues across the firm, and aims to promote gender equality across the firm globally. The initiative aims to empower our people to take very practical, everyday actions in their working lives that will cause incremental, tangible changes that will in turn foster true equality. More than 2,000 people across the Freshfields global network have signed up to EDGE since launch, committing to 10 everyday actions.
We are also passionate about promoting gender equality in the wider legal industry. In recognition of the under-representation of women on international tribunals, in 2015, members of the arbitration community (including Sylvia Noury, Partner in dispute resolution) drew up a pledge to take action. The Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge seeks to increase, on an equal opportunity basis, the number of women appointed as arbitrators in order to achieve a fair representation as soon practically possible, with the ultimate goal of full parity.
