Slaughter and May rises up the rankings in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list

Slaughter and May today announces that it has risen 16 places to 54th place in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers. The rankings reflect the UK’s best performing employers for lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff as measured by Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, an annual audit of workplace culture. Now in its fourteenth year, the list celebrates the pioneering efforts of organisations to create inclusive workplaces.

In addition, Slaughter and May associate, Krishna Omkar, has been named as Stonewall’s Gay Role Model of the Year in recognition of his work on LGBT inclusion in the workplace and the wider community. 

The Workplace Equality Index received over 430 entries from organisations in the private, public and third sectors, with staff feedback playing a key role. This year’s Index also marked the first time gender identity work counts towards an organisation’s overall score and ranking. No organisation is recognised in the Top 100 without demonstrating they are committed to trans inclusion in their workplace.

Slaughter and May’s LGBT community is built around PRISM (Pride at Slaughter and May), the firm’s LGBT staff network. Established in 2009, PRISM is a platform for the firm’s LGBT staff to network and plays a central role in LGBT recruitment and the building of client relationships.

Paul Stacey, Slaughter and May’s Executive Partner, said: “I am delighted that the firm has again been recognised by Stonewall and listed as one of the UK’s top 100 employers for lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff. Maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone who works here is crucial to the success of the firm and our rise up the rankings is a credit to PRISM, our Diversity & Inclusion team and everyone else involved across the firm. 

“I would also like to congratulate Krishna on his fantastic achievement.”

Darren Towers, Executive Director, Stonewall said: “All of those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job. Taking part in our Index shows real commitment to understanding and advancing LGBT equality. This year, for the first time, the Index looked at what employers were doing for trans equality in the workplace. This work is crucial and it’s encouraging to see so many organisations make a commitment to trans equality. With their support and hard work we can create a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.”

Notes to editors:

About PRISM

PRISM (Pride at Slaughter and May) is the Slaughter and May LGBT group. The Network is part of the firm's commitment to the values of diversity, inclusivity and equality, and aims to:

  • Foster a positive working environment for LGBT individuals within the firm;
  • Enhance our relationships with our clients’ and potential clients’ networks and allies as well as other law firms with which we have close working relationships;
  • Facilitate networking and support for LGBT individuals at the firm;
  • Increase awareness of LGBT issues; and
  • Develop leadership and advocacy opportunities for LGBT individuals, both within and outside the firm.

The group holds regular meetings, organises training events, hosts social nights and takes part in recruitment and networking events in partnership with InterLaw, OUTstanding and DiversCity.

Gay Role Model of the Year, Krishna Omkar, Associate, Slaughter and May

Krishna Omkar actively mentors junior LGBT lawyers and students, providing them with an informal and confidential support forum. He has played an instrumental part in the firm’s LGBT network group, PRISM, since its inception, and the organisation of several high-profile events, including the firm’s first LGBT-focused client event. Krishna has also led on pro-bono work for several respected LGBT organisations and organised fundraising initiatives for LGBT charities.

Separately his outside activities include being involved in the initiative to decriminalise same sex relations in India, developing a Bollywood video in support of LGBT rights, as well as working on an initiative to tackle homophobia in sport.