Fifteen law firms have received recognition from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as 2015 Employers of Choice.
90 organisations across Australia were awarded with the prestigious citation, recognising commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace.
“Employers increasingly understand and value the benefits of having a diverse workforce for organisational culture and business performance,” said WGEA director Libby Lyons.
“I congratulate all of the 2015 citation holders for their initiative and commitment. These employers are at the frontline of driving positive change as they set the gold standard for inclusive workplaces.”
Ashurst,
Clayton Utz and
Henry Davis York were among the legal employers to receive recognition yesterday,
Ashurst for the 15
th consecutive year.
“The WGEA citation is explicit recognition of the excellent work the firm is doing with regard to gender equality. We are very proud of the fact that we have again been recognised for our commitment to fostering and supporting talented women at our firm,” said Ashurst vice-chairman Mary Padbury.
“We are committed to ensuring all of our people have the opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential, regardless of gender.”
Committed to programs like mentoring, flexible working arrangement and return-to-work assistance, the firm said it has deliberately challenging female quotas for partner promotions and senior management positions.
“We will continue to enhance our policies, programs and structures which support diversity and the retention and promotion of women in the workplace,” said Ashurst Gender Diversity Strand Champion Jennie Mansfield.
Clayton Utz is tackling the diversity and inclusion issues with strategies like formal merit-based approaches to talent identification and employee development and flexible working, which is supported by a new progressive policy and a National Flexibility Manager.
“The Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation demands world class practices in diversity and inclusion, and Clayton Utz is committed to measuring up to these standards,” said Chief Executive Partner Rob Cutler.
“Achieving the citation this year is significant as it reflects the real positive impact our approach and our actions are having for our people.”
It’s the fifth consecutive year Henry Davis York has achieved the citation.
“Achieving this award is no mean feat; organisations are rigorously assessed against a set of robust criteria and expectations, which are strengthened each year to reflect best practice,” said managing partner
Michael Greene.
“The citation is important and is highly valued by our firm, clients and potential recruits as it reflects our vision to be a 'market leading, dynamic and diverse law firm'. It is strong validation of the continued work we do in relation to Diversity & Inclusion at the firm.”
Allens, Baker & McKenzie, Clayton Utz,
Corrs Chambers Westgarth,
DLA Piper Australia, Gilbert + Tobin,
Holding Redlich, K&L Gates, King & Wood Mallesons,
Maddocks,
McCullough Robertson Lawyers, Minter Ellison and
Norton Rose Fulbright all received the 2015 citation.
