Ten law firms rank in Stonewall’s top 100 workplace equality index

In a gradual but consistent improvement, 10 law firms now appear in this year’s workplace equality index, which is annually compiled by the gay rights charity, Stonewall.

Simmons & Simmons once again achieved the top ranking of the legal sector, coming in eighth position overall.  It was joined by Baker & McKenzie (19th), CMS Cameron McKenna and Herbert Smith Freehills (joint 30th). The achievement of reaching the top 100 was even greater than previous years, with the requisite qualifying score increasing from 137 in 2013 to 148.

Six other firms also made the top 100. Hogan Lovells came 35th; Irwin Mitchell 58th; Pinsent Masons and Eversheds shared 45th position, while Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Norton Rose Fulbright ranked at join 66th. Freshfields becomes the first magic circle firm to break into the top 100.

Owen Mulholland, banking partner in the Norton Rose Fulbright London office and senior champion of Norton Rose Fulbright’s LGBTA network, commented: "It is a great achievement to be recognised within the Stonewall workplace equality index. Diversity and inclusion is a business imperative at Norton Rose Fulbright. Our LGBTA network is a key element of the practice’s commitment to diversity; helping to promote equality and inclusion across the whole practice and our client base."