Launch of new InterLaw Forum for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Tran

On 17 April, an event to launch the new InterLaw Forum for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ("LGBT") Networks ("InterLaw Forum") took place. The event was held at the National Gallery and was hosted by Simmons & Simmons, the international law firm. The launch was a great success; it was attended by almost 300 people from 47 law firms and 39 financial institutions and corporates. As part of the event, £1,500 was raised for Stonewall, the UK’s leading campaigning organization for LGB equality.

The event was hosted by Simmons & Simmons managing partner, Mark Dawkins, and InterLaw Forum founder and Simmons & Simmons corporate partner Daniel Winterfeldt. Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall, cut a cake to mark the launch and spoke in support of the new Forum.

The InterLaw Forum is an inter-organisational forum that has been established for the LGBT community in the London legal sector to work together to enhance LGBT equality and diversity.  At the second meeting of the InterLaw Forum on 16 April at Lovells’ offices, a mission statement was agreed for the organisation.

Daniel says:“The InterLaw Forum has arrived! The launch at the National Gallery went extremely well and was a lot of fun. We were overwhelmed with the response and support from the London legal sector and the City.”

Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall, says:“The launch of the InterLaw Forum is a hugely positive development for the legal industry. In a highly competitive labour market, talented lesbian and gay graduate recruits are presenting increasingly to businesses that will not only treat them fairly at point of recruitment but also transparently offer the chance to rise to the top of their chosen career.”

"A&O is committed to creating an environment where all of our people feel included. We are very pleased to be participating in the InterLaw Forum as we believe it will be an important and practical vehicle for increasing awareness of LGBT inclusion and equality in the legal profession. We look forward to continuing our involvement with the InterLaw Forum and as a Stonewall Diversity Champion, with the support of our own LGBT network A&Out."

Sasha Hardman, Associate Director at Allen & Overy, says:"A&O is committed to creating an environment where all of our people feel included. We are very pleased to be participating in the InterLaw Forum as we believe it will be an important and practical vehicle for increasing awareness of LGBT inclusion and equality in the legal profession. We look forward to continuing our involvement with the InterLaw Forum and as a Stonewall Diversity Champion, with the support of our own LGBT network A&Out."

Caroline Wilson, Director of Diversity at Eversheds LLP, says:“This inaugural launch event showcased for all City law firms the importance of taking LGBT issues seriously.  It was incredibly well attended (over 300 people) by partners, solicitors, trainees and in house counsel from a broad range of law firms - magic circle, silver circle, national firms and high street practices as well as The Law Society.  All law firms will, I am sure, embrace the need to engage further and demonstrably show their support and Eversheds will indeed be hosting one of the 'Interlaw Forum' meetings this year at its new offices in Wood Street.  Congratulations to Daniel at Simmons & Simmons for getting this off the ground.”