We are pleased to announce that we have achieved Mansfield UK Certification Plus in the inaugural pilot of the Mansfield Rule in the United Kingdom, and that we are continuing our participation in Mansfield UK 2.0.
The certification demonstrates that Taylor Wessing not only took deliberate steps to expand the list of those considered for leadership positions within our organisation, but also achieved diverse representation in key leadership positions during this past year.
Mansfield aims to increase and sustain diversity in leadership within law firms by broadening the pool of women lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, lawyers with disabilities, and underrepresented racial and/or ethnic lawyers who are considered for senior lateral attorney job openings, firm governance opportunities, equity partner promotions, and firm leadership positions. Participating firms must also create and publish job descriptions and appointment/election policies for leadership roles within their firms.
To achieve Mansfield UK Certification Plus, we collaborated with Diversity Lab over a 12-month Certification Plus period with built-in measurement, transparency, and accountability mechanisms.
Sian Skelton, diversity and inclusion partner at Taylor Wessing, said: "We're committed to delivering an inclusive culture and a progressive environment where we empower all our people to lead, learn and grow. The Mansfield Rule keeps us and the wider legal profession accountable for achieving and surpassing these goals; over the last year alone the Mansfield Rule has helped us focus on monitoring our recruitment and promotion activities, as well as improving the diversity of our firm.
"We're proud to be one of the first firms to have piloted the scheme and we'll be continuing with our certification. We've seen tangible changes in our firm from championing diverse voices across all areas of our business, something we want to see continue to flourish in the years to come and with Mansfield as a key partner in building in an inclusive environment for all."
Kavita Ramakrishnan, Mansfield Rule and Knowledge Sharing Senior Director said: “Taylor Wessing has earned special recognition as one of the first to pilot and successfully complete Mansfield Certification in the UK. It was such a pleasure to partner with these exceptionally engaged law firms like Taylor Wessing who are committed to increasing transparency and accountability in their diversity and inclusion efforts.”
