Milbank LLP’s diversity and inclusion efforts in London, led by partner John Goldfinch, have earned recognition from the UK Legal Diversity Awards, which focus on “recognising, promoting and celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion across the legal profession.”
The firm was shortlisted for Law Firm Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year for its work with Eastside Young Leaders Academy, a nonprofit that helps young people from underprivileged backgrounds achieve their highest potential and develop as leaders of character and purpose. Led by partners Russell Jacobs and Matthew Hagopian, the initiative expands on the firm’s existing mentoring scheme with Eastside, offering a new Apprenticeship Program to promote the principle of equality and inclusion for all. Milbank’s first Apprentice Paralegal joined the London office this week.
In addition, Vanessa Harvey, London Recruitment Manager, was nominated as Diversity Champion (Law Firm), as “an individual who has made a significant contribution to diversity within and across the legal profession over the past three years.” The only non-partner out of all Diversity Champion nominees this year in the law firm category, Ms. Harvey has worked on numerous diversity and inclusion and social mobility initiatives, including BAME and LGBT+ networking events, career mentoring and participation in Milbank’s annual Pride celebration.
The awards event will take place on November 28 in London.