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❖ How did you feel on winning the Equality & Diversity Champion award this year?
It was such a great feeling. I didn't think a Partner of a law firm would win the category before the evening itself. But when I was getting ready, I realised that I did want to win... as well as being very proud to be nominated in the first place. So, when the award was being announced, I noticed very specific words spoken about the award and my nomination that it had to be me. Then everything went a little blurry after my name was announced and I had to walk the entire length of the room to collect my award. So many bright lights and an applauding audience. Celebrating with colleagues and friends was very magical. Needles to say we had a couple of drinks to celebrate!!
❖ What do you see as the biggest barrier in the profession?
The largest barrier in the legal profession, from a personal perspective, remains the adjustment to back to work following the pandemic. There are so many preferred ways of working now, to suit both business and individual circumstances, that mean that it remains difficult to coordinate what I, or others know as 'usual office working'.
There will be continual change to the 'hybrid' way working that we've come to enjoy as more and more businesses seek to encourage their staff back to the office. I'm a great believer in learning by osmosis, but still believe in finding the most appropriate way to suit personal needs. The legal profession, as well as other professional services organisation, however, seems very quick to get confirmed ways of working in place - maybe too soon!
❖ What is y our legal specialism and why did you choose it?
I specialise in Employment Law, largely because at, before qualifying, I realised I wanted to with, and for, people. I just preferred transactions between individuals than corporate to corporate. Also, given that the subject area involves matters of diversity and inclusion, I wanted to ensure that I could assist those that had been mistreated/suffered unlawful acts in the workplace, such as discrimination and harassment because of their protected characteristic(s). Being from the LGBT+ community myself, I hated the thought of individuals not being able to progress in their chosen profession/career because of other peoples' prejudice.
❖ How have you influenced the inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community in your workplace?
I very much like to think so. February 2024 will see our PROUD Network reaching its fifth birthday and over all of this time, I have been it's Chairman. Over this period, we've seen our LGBTQ+ network group from strength to strength - from a handful of members, to just short of 200 now. We've established a wonderful group of champions and members each of whom seek opportunities and experiences for Shoosmiths LGBTQ+ community, including its allies, guided by our Charter. By this we take part in formal and informal events, raising awareness and visibility of LGBTQ+ history and issues that continue to exist, to allow everyone to feel part of a welcoming LGBTQ+ community. Our charter further confirms our agreed aims and objectives under the headings of Respect; Support and Wellbeing; Education and Training; Opportunity for all; and Networking, CR and business development.
At Shoosmiths, we value difference: difference of thought and perspective; difference in perception and approaches to challenges. By continuing to embrace difference we increase the changes of having the best people who can be themselves, do their best work, and provide a unique service to our clients. Being from the LGBT+ community is no barrier to success at Shoosmiths; all staff have full support whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity. I will be stepping down at the five year mark, but will continue to support everyone involved and the future success of our network.
❖ Extra-curricular representation on committees is important to you, how do you manage that additional workload alongside your day-to-day responsibilities?
You just do it!
You have 'the day job' and 'the gay job'!
It really is an extra-curricular role but one that I'm happy to find the time for. It's for the benefit of many individuals so of course I find the time. The need to progress is too important not to.
❖ How does an improved level of diversity benefit the legal profession and its clients?
It simply does, and simply needs to. All firms should seek to represent and reflect to communities that they work in. At Shoosmiths, we seek to build a diverse and ambititious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
We believe it is also imperative that our teams are equipped with the tools and mindset required to perform at their best; which includes maintaining a positive culture, understanding the impact that work has on home life and vice versa, and promoting physical and mental health. I wouldn't work for an organisation that simply pays lip service to the importance of diversity and inclusion.
❖ What else do you enjoy outside of the law, and you achieve a work/life balance?
I love to travel when I have the time! I've always led a busy life and knowing when to rest (as well as travel) is extremely important. Having a close friendship circle, a loving partner and a very close family all help me to find the right work/life balance, thankfully!
❖ What is the funniest thing you have seen working in law?
Not all at Shoosmiths by the way, but simply the various states of various people taking part in "corporate away day" activities, whether that be during water-based obstacle courses, sports day races, fancy dress evenings, dancing, sumo wrestling and a number of other activities. These also act as a reminder of the importance of getting staff together, across different teams and office locations, to simply socialise and get to know more about y our colleagues. As Office Head, I see my colleagues working hard all the time, but I will always allow time throughout the year to allow some fun!
