The launch of GC Magazine’s first special report publication, focused on diversity and inclusion in the UK in-house community, drew an impressive roster of attendees. The report is part of a range of initiatives undertaken by GC Magazine and The Legal 500 in regards to diversity and inclusion in the legal community globally. The UK report will be followed by a US-focused report and a Europe-focused one, as well as multiple events. The reports and the events will have a dual focus on the strategic rationales for diversity and inclusion in business and law, and the practical steps needed to successfully implement initiatives – essentially both a top-down and bottom-up approach.
The event took place at Baker & McKenzie’s London offices with over 90 leading general counsel and business people in attendance.
Guests were welcomed by the firm’s London managing partner and newly elected chairman of the firm, Paul Rawlinson.
Rawlinson’s address was followed by a presentation from GC Magazine editor-in-chief, Catherine McGregor and The Legal 500 Client Intelligence Unit head, Dominic Williams, who presented on the report’s findings, and situated these both within their own narratives and those of thought leaders in the in-house community who had been part of the research.
The keynote address was given by Karen Brown, Baker & McKenzie’s global chief diversity officer, who had flown in from Chicago especially for the event. Brown drew on her years of work experience in the diversity space, including companies like Sodexo and Monsanto, to deliver a thought-provoking speech.
Finally, Brown, McGregor and Williams were joined on stage by Sarah Gregory, who is the partner with responsibility for diversity and inclusion at Baker & McKenzie. McGregor then chaired a town hall discussion with the panel onstage and the audience in attendance which was, as befits this subject, engaged and lively.