Diversity Initiative Recognized With Innovation Award
Dechert LLP’s partnership with Aspiring Solicitors (AS) has been recognized as an “Innovation in Diversity” by Profiles in Diversity Journal in its 2022 Innovations in Diversity Awards.
Since Dechert began its collaboration with AS, a non-profit organization aiming to improve access to the UK legal profession, underrepresented groups have made up over half the firm’s trainee intake in London. Last year, Dechert was the first AS partner firm to achieve a newly qualified solicitor intake with 50% originating from the AS program, which earned the firm the inaugural "Best Retention of Diverse Talent” Award from AS in its 2022 All Stars Award.
“It doesn't matter what people look like or where they come from,” said Gus Black, co-chair of Dechert's global financial services group and a member of the Policy Committee. “Our objective is excellence in client service. Hiring diverse talent means we can bring a broad range of experiences and skillsets to bear on our clients’ problems. The clients get a better team and our lawyers become better lawyers.”
At the heart of firm’s partnership with AS is the Commercial Awareness Competition (CAC) and the Dechert-sponsored AS Culture event. Held annually, these events give professionals from underrepresented groups access to the legal profession and provides Dechert access to talent from backgrounds that would otherwise be more difficult to reach. This has resulted in more nuanced areas of DEI being reflected in the firm’s hiring.
Commenting on the success of Dechert’s work with AS, Katrina Phull, Dechert’s Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, said: “This partnership enables us to create meaningful relationships with high-potential candidates that has led us to create an increasingly inclusive environment at the firm. Dechert wants to retain these attorneys because they are exceptional lawyers; they stay because they recognize the firm has a true commitment and investment in DEI.”
To read the full article on Dechert’s collaboration with Aspiring Solicitors, click here.
About Dechert
Dechert is a leading global law firm with 21 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.
