Justin D'Agostino, Global Head of Disputes and Managing Partner for Asia, has been listed for the fifth consecutive year in the annual OUTstanding global rankings.
He has been recognised as one of the top 100 executives across the globe, who has made a difference in gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) workplaces.
Founder of the first Herbert Smith Freehills LGBT network in the London office in 2007, Justin has since helped to shape the firm's LGBT programmes, established its Asia LGBT networks for Asia, and supported the launch of the network in the firm's Australian offices and in EMEA.
He is also co-sponsor of the firm's Global LGBT Network and works as a mentor with the Queer Straight Alliance in Hong Kong. He is a Stonewall Ambassador and supports improving gender imbalance on corporate boards through his membership of the Hong Kong 30% Club. Justin was also named Executive Sponsor of the Year in the Diversity and Inclusion in Asia Network (DIAN) 2016 benchmark and is an active supporter and mentor with Pink Dot in Hong Kong.
He is the Sponsor of Herbert Smith Freehills' global IRIS (Inclusion, Respecting Identity and Sexuality) Network and has recently focused on developing LGBT+ activity in the firm’s EMEA offices where LGBT+ inclusion is less advanced.
He sponsored the inaugural EMEA LGBT+ conference, which has subsequently seen Herbert Smith Freehills be the first law firm to sign up to L'Autre Circle, a public commitment to LGBT+ equality in France.
Justin, who is a leading international arbitration lawyer, said: "I'm delighted to make this year's list and extremely proud that Herbert Smith Freehills has been at the forefront of LGBT inclusion for over a decade and continues to lead the way in the professional services industry."
This is the fifth year that OUTstanding and the Financial Times have joined forces to publish The Leading LBGT+ & Ally Executives and LGBT+ Future Leaders Lists. OUTstanding is a professional membership organisation for global businesses. It works directly with LGBT+ and ally leaders to promote inclusion in the workplace, drive change, challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations. You can view the full list here.
About Herbert Smith Freehills
Operating from 27 offices across Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice. The firm provides many of the world’s most important organisations with access to market-leading dispute resolution, projects and transactional legal advice, combined with expertise in a number of global industry sectors, including Banks, Consumer products, Energy, Financial buyers, Infrastructure & Transport, Mining, Pharma & Healthcare, Real estate and TMT. www.herbertsmithfreehills.com
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