Diversity series: What are you doing to promote diversity?

I have recently been appointed Brown Rudnick’s equity, inclusion and diversity (EID) partner along with New York-based partner, Chelsea Mullarney. We take over this role from Boston-based partner Sunni Beville as she has now been promoted to Managing Director of the Dispute Resolution & Restructuring Department.

As part to our commitment to breaking down barriers, we will participate directly in conversations regarding recruitment, integration, professional development, elevation and compensation.

In this context, since December 2016, as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we have been hosting a Women in Business series in our London office. By having inspirational women, leading in their various fields, come and speak about their work and experiences, we hope to create a dynamic forum where business relationships can be created and opportunities realised.

Brown Rudnick’s London offices extend across a townhouse on Clifford Street, in Mayfair, built in 1720 for a wealthy landowner. The building had been used as tailors’ premises for a large portion of its life. I was therefore thrilled to kick off the series with Kathryn Sargent who, in 2016, shattered one of London’s most enduring glass ceilings when she became the first woman to have her name ‘above the door’ in the world famous Savile Row’s 213-year history.

Our most recent speaker, Dame Jane Dacre, President of the Royal College of Physicians, spoke about not only succeeding in what can be described as a male-dominated field, but also generally about the kind of traits one must possess to be a good leader, namely the five ‘C’s: capability, confidence, communication, creativity, and courage.

To date, the Women in Business series has had the honour of welcoming a number of inspirational speakers: Amber Rudd (while she was UK Home Secretary), Cressida Dick (Metropolitan Police Commissioner), Cath Kidston MBE (English fashion designer), Inga Beale (CEO, Lloyds of London) and, on 18 April 2019, the 100th anniversary of Women in Law in England and Wales, Christina Blacklaws, the President of the Law Society.

On 24 March 2020, we will have the honour of welcoming Mrs Justice Sue Carr to speak. She will be sworn in as Lady Justice of Appeal in April 2020.

This article was first published in the IBA Litigation Committee newsletter in May 2020, and is reproduced by kind permission of the International Bar Association, London, UK. © International Bar Association.