The inaugural Women and Diversity in Law Awards

Deadline for nominations Friday 23rd September

Recognising the exceptional individuals and teams making the UK legal profession more diverse and inclusive

It is the perfect time to recognise – and celebrate – the achievements of the people, teams and businesses helping to make the UK legal sector more diverse and inclusive.

Hosted by The Global Legal Post, the inaugural Women and Diversity in Law Awards will take place in London on 22 March 2023. They set out to say a big, collective ‘thank you’ to those who are dedicating their professional careers to moving the DE&I needle or using their positions of influence to help facilitate change. We will showcase the role models who are inspiring people from under-represented groups and the initiatives that are making a difference. In so doing we will also provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and best practice.

Despite some successes in recent years, progress across all fronts remains painfully slow.

No single business, team or individual has the answer. Success will only be achieved through collaboration. The awards are divided into two sections. The first section will showcase the inspirational contribution women are making to the profession.

The second section will address diversity more broadly, seeking to highlight the initiatives and individuals that are making a difference across different strands of diversity. Namely: age and life stage; disability; faith; gender equality; LGBT+; mental health and wellbeing; race equality; and social mobility. There is also a category focused on environmental sustainability in recognition of its close relationship with diversity.

Guiding us through the awards process will be a judging panel made up of recognised experts, campaigners and leaders. Click here for a list of confirmed judges.

We welcome partnerships with not-for-profit organisations focused on DE&I within the legal profession. To put your group forward email jasmindersoor@globallegalpost.com.

Awards timeline: how to nominate

The nominations process is designed to unearth as diverse a group of people, teams and businesses as possible.

Individuals are encouraged to nominate themselves and others across the range of categories. The same applies to legal teams and businesses

Making a nomination could not be more simple, and will only take a few minutes. You can find more details here. The deadline for nominations is Friday 23 September.

Once all the nominees have been identified, we will contact them and invite them to submit entries. The judges will then select the finalists and winners.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on 22nd March 2023.

Judges 2022

Isabel Parker
Executive Director, The Digital Legal Exchange
Alessandra Almeida Jones
Director of Global Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Baker McKenzie
Justin D’Agostino
Chief Executive, Herbert Smith Freehills
Julia Hayhoe
Managing Director, Hayhoe Consulting
Clare Murray
Founder and Managing Partner, CM Murray
Dana Denis-Smith
Founder the First 100 Years, Chief Executive, Obelisk Support
Dame Janet Gaymer
Board Member, Business Banking Resolution Service
James Stewart
Partner, Penningtons Manches Cooper
Kawsar Zaman
Barrister, No5 Barristers' Chambers
Nicolina Andall
Senior Corporate Counsel, Atlas Copco UK & Ireland, Board Member (Apprentice), Aldermore Bank
Professor Sara Chandler
Chair, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Law Society of England & Wales
Julia Chain
Chair, Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority
Lara Oyesanya
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, WorldRemit
Rachel Chan
Barrister, 42 Bedford Row
Joanna Harris
Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Simmons & Simmons