HSF bolsters inclusion efforts by joining global LGBT+ coalition

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has bolstered its inclusion efforts by joining global LGBT+ coalition Open for Business.

The coalition was launched in 2015 and comprises organisations from all over the world that are dedicated to supporting LGBT+ inclusion. The group aims to advance the rights of the LGBT+ community and “demonstrate the business rationale for global LGBT+ inclusion.” HSF said.

Open for Business’ partnership is made up of leading international companies, including Linklaters and Big 4 firms KPMG, EY and PwC. 

“Open for Business focuses on building consensus that anti-LGBT+ policies run counter to the interests of business and economic development,” HSF said. “By becoming a coalition partner, Herbert Smith Freehills is highlighting its commitment to breaking through diversity and inclusion inertia in the wider business community.”

The firm said that the partnership highlights its commitment to creating “an environment where LGBT+ talent is identified, nurtured and promoted.”

HSF CEO Justin D’Agostino pointed out that despite the significant progress in the global fight for LGBT+ rights in recent years, these rights are still ignored or unprotected in some parts of the world.

“I’m proud to be leading a firm where LGBT+ inclusion has become a focus of our mobility policies and practices, and my intention is to build on our partnership with Open for Business to help drive a data-led approach that empowers policymakers to build a more inclusive society,” he said.

Allen & Overy also joined the Open for Business coalition this year. The 2020 batch of partners includes Deloitte, Facebook, Dow, IKEA (under the Ingka Group), L’Oréal, Unilever, BD and Kearney.

In September, HSF launched its global “10 Actions for Change” initiative, which focuses on racial diversity and inclusion.