Milbank LLP’s London office celebrated its annual Diversity Week on September 26 – September 29. Coinciding with the UK’s National Inclusion Week this year, the firm’s Diversity Week programming raised awareness, promoted inclusivity and social engagement, and educated colleagues about wellbeing. It also was an opportunity to showcase the office’s focus groups and encourage new members to join their ranks.
On Monday, September 26, the firm’s Family Friendly Focus Group, which provides a space for everyone to discuss issues, share tips and offer mutual support, hosted a lunchtime reception. During the session, lawyers and business services professionals learned about the group’s offerings.
This included details about emergency childcare, eldercare and respite care, as well as counseling services. In the coming months the Family Friendly group will host sessions where providers will discuss the additional support that is available to everyone at any life stage.
Milbank’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, Mikeisha Anderson Jones, joined over Zoom to discuss the firm’s global DEI strategy and priorities for the coming year. Ms. Anderson Jones also used the opportunity to formally introduce André Flemmings, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Manager, to the office.
On Tuesday, September 27, the Social Mobility Focus Group hosted a session focused on how lawyers contribute to the legal education of young people through pro bono work. Young Citizens led a workshop that outlined its Lawyers in Schools initiative and described how lawyers can support it – and in doing so fulfill part of their pro bono annual time requirement. London Pro Bono lead and partner James Warbey introduced the session, with the organization’s leader taking attendees through a live demonstration of the workshops they would be facilitating with young people.
On Wednesday, September 28, the Mental Wellbeing Focus Group arranged a workshop led by nutritionist and dietician Rachel Croft, who established the importance of good nutrition in maintaining a positive mood and a healthy outlook.
In the afternoon, the Heritage Focus Group invited clients and colleagues to attend a special exhibition on African Fashion at the Victoria & Albert Museum in Kensington. The exhibition highlighted the cultural, political and historical influences on trends, colors, cuts and patterns across the continent.
On Thursday, September 29, the final day of programming, LN Pride hosted an afternoon tea where associate Philipp Engel offered a few words about the network. The week then closed with a Pub Quiz in the office.
In addition, the honors were announced for the 2022 Diversity Week Photo Competition.
The winners included:
- Hollie Fenwick, London
- Henry Singh, Singapore
- Debbie Fallon, London
Honorable mentions went to Denise Ho and the Singapore team; Dilja Helgadottir in London; and Annette Brown, also from London.
The wide swath of informative programming that comprised London Diversity Week 2022 was a reflection of the firm’s commitment to DEI and an illustration of the breadth of Milbank’s community-focused initiatives. The success of the week will inform the firm’s ongoing DEI strategy which includes continuing to foster authentic, sustainable relationships both internally and with clients.
