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Herbert Smith Freehills has been awarded 'Gold' employer status and once again named a Top Global Employer for LGBT+ inclusion for 2022 by Stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ rights charity. 

The firm has been included in Stonewall's overall Top Global Employers list for the last six years* and this year, shares the top spot with six organisations. The list celebrates an organisation's achievements and progress on LGBT+ efforts across its global operations. 

Herbert Smith Freehills secured its top ranking via a submission to the Stonewall Global Workplace Equality Index. Regarded as one of the leading benchmarking tools for employers to develop inclusive workplaces, it allows organisations to demonstrate their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion across seven areas such as within their people policies, supply chain, leadership and employee engagement, and covers both global initiatives and in-country activity.

Justin D’Agostino, CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills (he/him), commented: "It is wonderful to receive the Gold Employer Award and once again to be so highly recognised for our ongoing LGBT+ inclusion efforts across our international network. Fostering an inclusive culture where our people can be themselves, and are encouraged to contribute their valuable perspectives to our firm and our clients, is the right thing to do – and that is why it is a core business priority. While we have gained much success over the years, we are not resting on our laurels. We remain committed to pursuing our vision to be the leading law firm for diversity and inclusion."

Leanne MacMillan, Director of Global at Stonewall (she/her) said: "We’re delighted for Herbert Smith Freehills whose incredible work towards LGBT inclusion this year has seen them receive Gold in the Global Workplace Equality Index. Every employer has a duty to make sure that their LGBT staff are free from discrimination at work, and our Global Workplace Equality Index helps organisations reflect on their inclusion journey and celebrate best practice

"We spend much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. That’s why it’s vital that every single lesbian, gay, bi and trans person feels like they can be themselves in their workplace."

* Excluding 2021 when Stonewall did not run the Global Workplace Equality Index due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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