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HSF contingent takes part in Brisbane pride march
Representatives of Herbert Smith Freehills have participated in the annual Brisbane Pride march.
Tom Lodewyke
Over 10,000 people took to the streets in Brisbane on Saturday to march for LGBTI Pride.
Justin D’Agostino, the firm’s global head of dispute resolution and regional managing partner, Australia and Asia, said he was proud to be part of a firm with an inclusive and supportive culture.
“The Brisbane Pride festival was a vibrant and lively celebration of the LGBTI community and I was delighted to be a part of it,” Mr D’Agostino said.
“As the firm’s executive sponsor of our IRIS Network, having the opportunity to march with my colleagues from our Brisbane office was a fantastic reminder of the truly global reach of the network. Our global IRIS Network connects LGBTI staff and allies right across the world, and further develops Herbert Smith Freehills’ inclusive and supportive culture.
“I’m proud to have been able to hold the HSF banner with our team and celebrate together.”
The march is particularly timely this year, with the announcement of the outcome of the postal vote on same-sex marriage just over a month away. The issue has been the source of significant debate within the legal profession and the broader community.
Bianca Janovic, HSF senior associate and chair of the Brisbane IRIS network, said the march highlighted the resilience of the LGBTI community in this difficult time.
“It was fantastic to be part of an energetic group of HSF colleagues all coming together to celebrate and support each other at Brisbane Pride this weekend,” Ms Janovic said.
“The current marriage equality debate in Australia is a challenging time for the LGBTI community, so to be part of an event with such joy and passion was a terrific display of the community’s resilience and inclusiveness.
“Seeing my colleagues in their matching t-shirts amidst a sea of rainbows really highlights the strength of our IRIS Network and the benefits of working in a diverse and inclusive environment like Herbert Smith Freehills.”
The final deadline to return the postal vote forms is 7 November, although people are strongly encouraged to return them as soon as possible. The result will be delivered on 15 November.
