Law firm Lewis Silkin LLP has secured high-level rankings in the Black Solicitors Network (BSN) Diversity League Table 2009, including a Top 10 ranking of 7th in the 'Top 100 and Top 100 plus firms', for its record on ethnic minority and gender diversity within the firm.

Approaching 150 top UK law firms, as well as the 30 leading international firms with UK bases, the Diversity League Tables recognise the achievements of those who are leading the sector in terms of their diversity profile. Lewis Silkin was ranked amongst firms such as Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy and Simmons & Simmons.

Lewis Silkin came 11th in the overall ranking on ethnic minority and gender diversity across fee earners. It was positioned 2nd in the table for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) employees for all participating firms, 5th in the ranking of female partners  (with 32%) and 6th in the table for disabled employees for all participating firms. It achieved a ranking of 8th for both tables on ethnic minority partners (with 6.12%) and ethnic minority associates (with13.83%).

The Diversity League Tables have a focus on ethnicity and gender diversity, and now include information on disability and LGB employees. A 50% response rate was achieved from the international firms and a 23% response rate came from UK firms. Information from 23 chambers was also collected, and the average firm size was 871 staff, with the smallest standing at 71 and the largest at 3,071 employees.

Penny Newman, Director of People and Knowledge commented:

“We are very pleased to see a material improvement in our ranking in this year’s Diversity League Tables. We believe that it is important for the firm to have the widest range of talent possible and we also recognise that our clients expect us to take an active role on diversity.  We have invested a significant amount of time in improving our approach and we are delighted to support the Law Society’s Diversity & Inclusion Charter as the profession addresses these important issues.
We will continue to strive to ensure that the Lewis Silkin workplace is a community where individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds will want to work.”

For further information please contact:

Mark Grant
Director of Business Development
Lewis Silkin LLP
5 Chancery Lane
Clifford's Inn
London
EC4A 1BL

T:+44 (0) 20 7074 8226

E:Mark Grant