Lovells

Lovells has been presented with an award for best race equality initiative for law firms with more than 25 partners by the Law Society and Commission for Racial Equality (CRE).  The awards, presented by the Lord Chancellor and the Chairman of the CRE, are designed to recognise those who have made the promotion of race equality an integral part of their business and legal practice.  The awards took place on Thursday September 28th.

Lovells' award was recognition for the pro bono legal help the firm provides community groups and charities working with groups such as the Muslim Youth Help Line where the firm makes available lawyers to answer email questions from young Muslims on issues such as employment, disability rights, human rights and victims of crime compensation.  The firm's plan to extend its mentoring scheme with St. Aloysius' College to include two Muslim faith schools next year was also cited.  The scheme involves Lovells' lawyers presenting to students on careers in the law and opportunities for working in City firms and advocacy competitions.
 
Lovells' work with these organisations has been led by pro bono manager Yasmin Waljee with the support of Kay Willis, director of HR.

Commenting on the award, Lovells' corporate social responsibility partner Neil Fagan said:      

“This is tremendous recognition for the hard work of Yasmin Waljee and her team and the many lawyers who give their time for a wide range of pro bono projects.  We have created an inclusive culture by fostering our enthusiastic professionals' sense of community responsibility through the work they do for minority charities and groups."   

Clare Harris, Head of Graduate Recruitment added:  

"The firm's graduate recruitment team is working hard to promote access to the legal profession.  Through our many initiatives aimed at schools and universities we hope to break down any perceived barriers that may be stopping prospective candidates entering the profession.  These initiatives will ensure that we build and maintain a diverse workforce going forward."

About Lovells  

With over three thousand people operating from 26 offices in Asia, Europe and the United States, Lovells is one of a small number of truly international law firms. We advise many of the world's largest corporations, financial institutions and governmental organisations.  We regularly act on complex, multijurisdictional transactions as well as some of the most high-profile commercial disputes.  

www.lovells.com