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BigLaw firms cement LGBT+ focus with new partnership

Two BigLaw firms with a distinct Australian presence have highlighted their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion by becoming coalition partners of Open for Business.

user iconEmma Musgrave 22 December 2020 Big Law
BigLaw firms cement LGBT+ focus with new partnership
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Open for Business was established in 2015 and aims to advance LGBT+ rights, while demonstrating the business rationale for global LGBT+ inclusion.

Last week, Open for Business welcomed 10 “world-class companies” to its coalition of global companies promoting LGBT+ societies, including BigLaw firms Herbert Smith Freehills and Allen & Overy.

Other companies included in the announcement were BD, Deloitte, Dow, Facebook, IKEA, Kearney, L’Oréal and Unilever.

“By becoming a coalition partner, Herbert Smith Freehills is highlighting its commitment to breaking through diversity and inclusion inertia in the wider business community,” said Justin D’Agostino, CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills. 

“The partnership also signifies the firm’s determination to create an environment where LGBT+ talent is identified, nurtured and promoted.”

Mr D’Agostino said Open for Business is addressing a fundamental issue still being seen in the some areas. 

“In recent years, there has been considerable progress on LGBT+ rights, yet there remain parts of the world where those rights are not recognised or protected,” he said.

“I’m proud to be leading a firm where LGBT+ inclusion has become a focus of our mobility policies and practices, and my intention is to build on our partnership with Open for Business to help drive a data-led approach that empowers policymakers to build a more inclusive society.”

On the addition of the 10 new companies, Open for Business said: “LGBT+ inclusive societies. By joining, these companies are not only showing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion around the world, but also committing to further collaboration with their new coalition partners to build the economic and business case for LGBT+ inclusion.”

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.

Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences. 

Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.

She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University. 

Email Emma on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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