The BSN is pleased to announce the 2013 UK Diversity Legal Awards. Entries can be submitted up until the 25th of October 2013. The BSN UK Diversity Legal Awards is the only industry awards in the UK that recognises and promotes equality and diversity across the breath of the legal profession. It provides an excellent platform for the winners and supporters to demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity and thereby raises their profile, influence and prestige. The BSN UK Diversity Legal Awards was established in 2010 as part of the launch of the BSN Diversity League Table. It is open to organisations of all sizes and submissions are welcomed from firms, Chambers, in-house legal teams (private and public sector) and suppliers to the legal profession, with an office in the UK. BSN Chair, Nwabueze Nwokolo said: “The legal profession is often singled out for criticism in the area of diversity. BSN has taken the proactive step of working collaboratively with the legal profession to improve access, progression and tenure of meritorious lawyers.” She continues, “The BSN UK Diversity Awards recognises and highlights those organisations that are progressive and inclusive. A light is shone on good practice in the hope that it will be emulated by all others in our noble profession.” The UK Diversity Legal Awards is balanced across all the diversity strands currently being accessed. A submission which demonstrates excellence in the area of LGBT employees will be equal to a submission which focuses on age, religion, disabilities, social inclusion or ethnicity; or any combination of these. The UK Diversity Legal Awards recognises innovation, execution and impact. There are 6 categories:
  • . Recruitment: “Attracting Talent”
  • . Retention: “Talent Management”
  • . Promotion: “Progressing talent”
  • . Firm of the Year
  • . Chambers of the Year
  • . Diversity Champion (an individual award)
The 2013 UK Diversity Legal Awards will be hosted by Hogan Lovells LLP at their London office on Monday 11th November 2013. Ruth Grant, People Development Partner and co-Chair of Hogan Lovells Diversity Committee, said, “Hogan Lovells is committed to diversity throughout all our offices. Diversity is at the core of our vision and values and we believe that by promoting a culture of inclusion, which respects and values the diversity of all our people, we create the foundation for everyone to reach their full potential in the firm and to play their part in helping us to achieve our vision. That’s why Hogan Lovells is proud to support the Black Solicitors Network and to host the launch of the 2013 Diversity League Tables and the 4th UK Diversity Legal Awards.” The deadline for submission of entries is Friday 25th October 2013. For more information and to request a Submission Pack & Entry Form please email:diversity@blacksolicitorsnetwork.co.uk placing the words “AWARDS” at the start of the subject line.Alternatively, You can download a Submission Pack which includes the criteria, by clicking here You can download an Application Form by clicking here END Winners of the 2012 Diversity Legal Awards:
  • . Recruitment: “Attracting Talent”: Rare Recruitment
  • . Retention: “Talent Management”: Morrison & Foerster LLP
  • . Promotion: “Progressing talent”: No award was made
  • . Firm of the Year: Shoosmiths LLP
  • . Chambers of the Year: Hardwicke Chambers
  • . Diversity Champion: No award was made
FAQ: Q1: The BSN stands for “Black” Solicitors Network. Does that mean we can only make an entry which focuses on Black or BME candidates or employees? A1: Absolutely not! Your application can relate to work being done to support any of the recognised protected categories e.g. age, women, sexual orientation, disabilities, faith and ethnicity as well as any work around social mobility and inclusion.   The UK Diversity Legal Awards and the Diversity League Table are both project-managed and produced by the award-winning Satsuma on behalf of the Black Solicitors Network. For information about submission criteria, sponsorship or advertising within this year’s Diversity League Table please contact Godwin Ohajah on 0845 057 0515 or email:diversity@blacksolicitorsnetwork.co.uk