Co-Chair
Karine Audouze
Co-Chair
Pål Kvernaas
Diversity and Equality Law Committee
The Diversity and Equality Law Committee includes private practitioners, in-house attorneys, and academics working with corporate clients on issues like pay equity, anti-discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights. Members come from leading law firms, corporations, and various perspectives. The Committee publishes an annual newsletter highlighting new developments and issues of interest. The Committee also comprises the Disability Rights Working Group, focused on disabled individuals' rights in the workplace. The Committee collaborates with the Employment and Industrial Relations Law Committee, the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee , and the Global Employment Institute.
About the Committee
The Diversity and Equality Law Committee comprises private practitioners, in-house attorneys and academics, many of whom work with corporate clients in order to help them fulfil their key goals in such areas as pay equity, prevention of discrimination based on gender, race, religion, age, and disability (among other protected traits), and LGBTQ issues.
Many of these professionals are members of leading law firms or corporations. Of course, we welcome members from all areas and with all perspectives.
The Committee publishes annually the Diversity and Equality Law Committee Newsletter, which gives members an opportunity to bring attention to new developments in their jurisdictions, and other issues of interest.
The Committee also comprises the Disability Rights Working Group, whose members are interested in issues facing disabled individuals and their rights in the working world.
The Committee has been fortunate to enjoy very active support from its officers as well as invaluable input from other committees. It is a sign of the Committee's growing strength that increasingly we are asked to co-sponsor sessions with other IBA committees.
The officers are always keen to encourage others to join in the work so if you would like to contribute an article or suggest a topic for future conferences then please contact any of the officers. E-mail is our preferred means of communication.
We work closely with our colleagues in the other three bodies making up the Human Resources Section: the Employment and Industrial Relations Law Committee, the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, and the Global Employment Institute. The Human Resources Section Board was established in 2014 in order to coordinate activities and join efforts within the Section. Board members consist of the current and immediate past Chairs of each of the committees in the Section.
Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
02 Nov - 07 Nov 2025
Toronto , Canada
Annual IBA Employment and Diversity Law Conference 2026
22 Apr - 25 Apr 2026
Warsaw , Poland
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
04 Oct - 09 Oct 2026
Copenhagen , Denmark
Publications
Diversity data collection in India: how should employers tread in the current era?
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) seems to be at an inflection point in the Far West with the three concepts having witnessed quite a roller coaster ride in the recent past. The legislative framework in India, however, remains unchanged in promoting diversity and ensuring anti-discrimination. Keeping this in mind, employers are often curious about their ability to legally collect diversity data from their employees in India. In this article, the authors explore the nuances of continuing to collect diversity data in India in the dynamic DEI space.
Released on Jun 20, 2025
Latest developments in Italian case law on flexible working schemes as a ‘reasonable accommodation’ for disability
Refusing remote work to workers with disabilities, when the arrangement is ‘reasonable’ under the circumstances, qualifies as discrimination. Employers must pay particular attention to the legal framework on ‘reasonable accommodations’ to ensure compliance with law and mitigate the risk of legal disputes, potential liabilities and reputational damage.
Released on Apr 04, 2025
Demographic changes and the war on talent – a catalyst for workplace diversity and inclusion
This article examines the societal changes that are having the largest impact for employers in recruitment. Reviewing recent developments and highlighting the key upcoming changes in UK employment law, this article explains why navigating the changing landscape of legal rights, cultural shifts and diversity and inclusion should be at the top of the agenda for employers.
Released on Apr 04, 2025
Building effective and equitable policies: moving beyond the basics of legal compliance
Creating meaningful workplace policies goes beyond legal requirements and is significantly about building a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. While compliance is essential, it should be seen as the foundation, not the finish line. This article explores how workplace policies can move beyond statutory obligations that promote true equity.
Released on Apr 03, 2025
Subcommittees and other groups
The Diversity and Equality Law Committee also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.
- Disability Rights Working Group