Simmons again ranked UK's most gay-friendly firm

Simmons & Simmons has earned the title of most gay-friendly law firm in the United Kingdom for the second year in a row (see "Simmons & Simmons is most gay-friendly firm"), after making it into 19th place in this year's Workplace Equality Index. This year three more firms earned a place in the index: Baker & McKenzie, Hogan Lovells and Irwin Mitchell now join Eversheds, Herbert Smith, Pinsent Masons and Simmons & Simmons. More law firms also nominated themselves to be included in the Index - 26 law firms submitted entries, compared with 24 last year.

Simmons partner and co-chair of the firm's LGBT Network, David Stone, said: "We are delighted to have again ranked highly in Stonewall's bench-marking survey. But more importantly, I'm pleased to see workplaces, and particularly law firms, across the United Kingdom becoming friendlier places for lesbian, gay and bisexual people to work. It's especially encouraging to see 26 law firms apply, and for seven of those to make the top 100 LGB-friendly employers. The law really can be a welcoming place for LGB partners and staff."

Pinsent Masons, which has been included in the index for the last four years, came in at 30 in the rankings making it the second highest law firm in the table. Director of Human Resources Jonathan Bond said: "The firm takes its commitment to equality and diversity very seriously, and I am delighted that we have again been recognised by Stonewall for the work that we do."