Diversity statement – Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice
We are a forward-thinking law firm and we strongly believe in providing both a diverse working environment and equal opportunities for both employees and our clients. In 2011 we were the first law firm in Wales to join Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Programme. This programme promotes good practice for employers, creating excellent working environments for all employees whilst ensuring equal treatment. We have a long history of working with the LGBT+ community to resolve the issues that arise from the end of a relationship. We were one of the first law firms in Wales to offer a specialist service for clients in Civil Partnerships and same-sex relationships. We feel strongly about being a member of the Stonewall programme as it reflects our values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour.
Our ethos is to encourage personal development throughout the firm, this is why we focus on promoting internally. Many of our current Solicitors and Associates started with the firm in a paralegal position. All bar one of the firm’s present Associates started as trainees within the firm as did two of our five Directors. We base our selection solely on the individual’s qualities. We understand it can be a mammoth task managing a work-life balance. We always ensure to take care of our employees and one of our Directors has qualified as a Mental Health First Aider.
In a report from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ‘The business case for diversity’ (2017), it was reported that 48% of all solicitors are women, whilst only 33% of law firm partners are women. We go against the grain with 4 out of our 5 Directors being women.
It is important to us that we aspire to be a diverse company from both an employee and client prospective. We provide pro bono work at a legal advice clinic run by Support Through Court which focuses on helping disadvantaged people facing the civil and family justice system without a lawyer. Our private client (wills and probate) team frequently volunteer their time and provide free Wills to patients of Maggie’s Cardiff. Maggie’s offer free support to anyone with cancer and their families, they have centres built on the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals.
Additionally, one of our Associates attends a free Legal Clinic at The Children’s Centre for Wales based at Swansea University.
We ensure to treat all clients equally regardless of background or culture and provide clients with the option to communicate in English and Welsh.
We have an accessible office with disabled access and facilities.