Diversity and inclusion
A mosaic of backgrounds, an inclusive environment
Where valuing difference makes all the difference
Diversity + inclusivity = a happy office. We value differences in people and want everyone to feel comfortable being themselves. At Shearman & Sterling, diversity is not simply a philosophy; it is about who we are and how we do business, both with our clients and with each other.
For more than a decade, we have actively implemented initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the firm and the greater legal community. Our workforce represents a cross section of the world community, and the varied backgrounds and perspectives of our lawyers and staff shape our innovative firm culture.
We strongly believe that diversity in perspectives, backgrounds and experiences enhances the quality of our work and augments our lives, and we are resolute in our mission to continue to weave difference into the fabric of the firm. To reflect this, in 2014 we launched a Diversity Committee who work together to ensure the London office continues to champion diversity at every level.
We think that diversity is the best, most effective way of conducting business in today’s global marketplace, with multifaceted and multicultural differences encouraging new ideas and fresh viewpoints, as well as fostering a creative problem-solving environment, which supports our collaborative approach in the workplace. They also allow us to meet the full spectrum of our clients’ needs and demands, especially as the firm maintains and advances its global footprint.
One firm, many backgrounds
Shearman & Sterling’s professionals form a remarkable mosaic of backgrounds, cultures, generations, ethnicities, races and sexual orientations. Their unique perspectives generate a firm culture that is both innovative and open. The results are tangible: better work product and a better work environment.
Diversity ensures that we challenge norms and think outside the box – helping us provide the best possible solution to our clients’ business problems. So we’re proud to embrace a number of equal opportunities initiatives, including:
- Stonewall Diversity Champions 2013 and active Stonewall Equality Index participant
- Black Solicitors Network
- American Women Lawyers in London
- SEO London
- Aspiring Solicitors
- CityMothers and CityFathers Corporate Pass
- BLAQUE (Black Lawyers Aligned in the Quest for Excellence)
- AVALANCHE (Association of Various Asia-interested Lawyers Aligned for Non-discrimination, Community, Honour and Excellence)
- Sterling Pride, focused on our LGBT employees
- WISER (Women’s initiative for Success, Excellence and Retention)
We also strongly encourage our employees to participate in training sessions to raise awareness and foster inclusion and discussion. Recently we have hosted the following sessions:
- Cultural Awareness training
- Generational Diversity
- Trainees and Lawyers Mentoring Programmes and Support Staff Mentoring
- Disability Confidence Training
- Positive Parenting
- Unconscious Bias training
Full information about the diversity networks and groups at Shearman & Sterling can be found on www.shearman.com.
If you have a question or concern regarding a disability or adjustments to our recruitment processes, then you can get in touch confidentially with our HR Manager, Mariyam Hassan (mariyam.hassan@shearman.com).
