Herbert Smith Freehills launches IRIS Network: Inclusion, Respecting Identity and Sexuality

Herbert Smith Freehills is delighted to announce the launch today of the IRIS Network, the firms' global LGBT Network. An iris is the symbol the firm uses in the logo to reflect its curiosity, insight and openness. Re-naming the LGBT Network to IRIS Network reflects the strong connection the network has with the heart of the brand.

IRIS is also the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the international symbol for LGBT communities world-wide. This makes it the perfect name to symbolise the firms' commitment to sexual orientation and gender identity inclusion. All of the regional LGBT and LGBTI Networks will now be known as the IRIS Networks. The new name is the result of a competition with over 70 entries from across our offices.

The overarching objective of the global IRIS Network is to support LGBT inclusion across our international offices. In addition to the programmes led by the regional IRIS Networks, the global IRIS Network aims to connect our people across the firm, grow network membership including Allies, facilitate firm-wide communications via a single global mailing list, provide a forum for consultation on issues of global significance and share best practice across the firms' regional IRIS Networks.

Justin D'Agostino is the global executive sponsor of the network. Justin commented 'Taking the IRIS network global builds on the strength of our LGBT programmes and presents an opportunity to grow network membership, including the very important role allies play in demonstrating their support for inclusion, and connecting with people in our smaller offices where a local network may not exist.'

The global IRIS Network is open to all partners and staff, including people who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, trans-gender or intersex and their allies.