Session report one: IBA Annual Conference in Mexico City
Pavla Kopeckova Prikrylova
Peterka, Prague
Richard Spink
Burgess Salmon, Bristol
How diversity and inclusion policies impact the business of law firms
The session’s aim was to look at the practical aspects of implementing diversity and inclusion (D&I) in law firms.
The first panel was moderated by Alessia Oddone Wales (CastaldiPartners, Milan; Vice Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Working Party, European Regional Forum) and was composed of the following speakers:
- Ursula Ben-Hammou Cuatrecasas, Mexico City; Mentorship Officer, IBA Women Lawyers’ Committee
- Joyce Wambui Karanja Bowmans, Nairobi; Member, IBA Diversity & Inclusion Council
- Angie Zandstra College of Law, Sydney; IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum Liaison Officer; IBA LGBTQI+ Law Committee
The panel discussed in depth how to engage law firm leaders in D&I from regional and next-generation perspectives.
The main takeaway which resonated with all the panellists was to make sure the D&I is not only a proclamation on website but is being ‘lived and practiced’ in the law firms.
