Squire Patton Boggs has today announced UK targets for gender, ethnicity, social mobility, disability and LGBT+ as part of its long-term commitment to improving diversity and inclusion at the firm.
These include:
- 20% female partners in the UK within two years and 25% by 2026
- 16% ethnic minority representation across the firm within two years and 19% by 2026
Currently the firm in the UK has 17% female partners and 13% ethnic minority representation.
The firm will be using external benchmarking as a measure of progress in other areas, including achieving Level 3: Leader status under the government’s Disability Confident Scheme, achieving Stonewall Top 100 Employer status and achieving a top 25 ranking in the Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Index.
European managing partner Jonathan Jones commented, “The issue of inclusion and diversity in our society is one that affects us all and it matters now more than ever. It is important that we continue to make progress in this area. In setting targets for the first time, we are holding ourselves to account as we seek to develop a culture that is rich in diversity, inclusive and recognised as fair and transparent.
“The global pandemic has crystallised the need for action now. Acknowledging its legacy will likely be hardest felt by women and minorities, we have intensified our focus on the recruitment, retention and advancement of female employees and ethnic minorities as a priority. This is part of a comprehensive and carefully considered plan, setting measurable targets and goals to ensure that inclusion and diversity is embedded in the culture of our firm and reflective of the society in which we operate. We have much work ahead which will require us to challenge ourselves to do things differently, but through our efforts we will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, making us stronger as a business and better able to serve our clients.”