LGBTQ+ at Herbert Smith Freehills

As a global firm, we’re proud advocates of LGBT+ inclusion. That’s why we’re consistently awarded Stonewall’s Top Global Employer status.

We are working hard to ensure that, wherever our people are located, they feel safe, included and celebrated for who they are. Below are just some of the ways we’re advocating for change across the world:

Working Globally - Open for a Business report on the experiences of LGBT+ travellers.

Agents for Change - Stonewall global advocacy guide for LGBT+ inclusion.

"41% of 18 to 25-year-old LGBT+ employees reported that they went back into the closet when they moved from education into full-time work, despite being out in their personal lives or at university. As a member of the firm's London IRIS Committee, I wanted to see what we could do to make the transition of our new LGBT+ employees into the firm easier.”

SCOTT WARIN Associate & IRIS Network Member

IRIS Network

Our IRIS Network brings together LGBT+ people and allies from across our business to advocate for LGBT+ inclusion within and beyond the firm.

As one of our longest-standing global networks, IRIS works to educate and connect our people, raise awareness, collaborate with other diversity networks and importantly provide a safe and supported place for colleagues, wherever they are located.

Most recently, the IRIS network is Leading for Inclusion by:

re-launching our trans and non-binary guidelines to offer enhanced 1:1 coaching;
dedicating pro bono hours to decriminalise homosexuality and deliver LGBT+ rights across the world; and
developing sustainable relationships with in-country LGBT+ organisations across the countries in which we operate, such as Open Doors Australia – which support LGBT+ young people dealing with homelessness, mental ill-health and addiction.

We are also signatories to the UN Standards of Conduct for LGBTI Inclusion.