Baker & McKenzie LLP issued the following announcement on Sept. 20.
Paul Rawlinson, Global Chair of leading global law firm Baker McKenzie has been named as a Male Champion of Women in Business while Partners Joanna (Jo) Ludlam and Sue McLean have been named Female Champions by the Financial Times and HERoes, a gender-equality initiative.
This is the second year that Paul has been named as a Male Champion of Women in Business, for helping to effect the greatest changes in women’s careers in the UK and beyond. In addition to this accolade Paul also ranked as one of the top 10 male role models.
Jo Ludlam, Co-Chair of Baker McKenzie's Compliance & Investigations Practice Group, was named one of the FT & HERoes 100 Female Executives, recognised for empowering women and elevating others as they rise through the ranks.
Sue McLean was named as an FT & HERoes Female Future Leader and the judges were so impressed with her commitment to gender diversity that they have ranked her among the Top 10 Future Leader Role Models.
Each year the list is put together by the FT and HERoes in response to the lack of gender diversity in boardrooms. Founder of INvolve and HERoes, Suki Sandhu, says: “These lists have been created with one aim – to create gender parity in workplaces across the globe. The role models we’re recognizing aren’t just those who have achieved success themselves – they’re those who are committed to lifting others with them as they climb, and ultimately fuelling the female talent pipeline."
Baker McKenzie has a very active mixed-gender employee network, BakerWomen, which is a forum to share ideas and best practice to inform our gender strategy. Last year, as a signatory of UN Women's Empowerment Principles, the Firm launched a 'HeForShe' campaign, which encourages all of our male colleagues to act as allies and advocate for gender parity. The Firm has a range of initiatives focused on gender diversity including a bAgile program, a flexible work initiative for all employees, a return to work programme and it recently introduced Inclusion Champions and Expert Allies. Baker McKenzie also a member of the UN Women's Corporate Advisory Group; 30% Club and has representation on the Transforming Women's Leadership in the Law programme.
Paul commented: " My daughter is now 13 with her own unique personality and drive that is inspiring. I want to her to be able to see that being a woman gives her an equal chance of success in any industry. I attended our new partner program this summer where the group had 40% female partners from different cultures and backgrounds from all over the world. It made such a difference and all of them are role models who will inspire others to follow. That's how change happens. However, we still have a long way to go and we must not lose focus on our goals and the challenges we face."
Baker McKenzie's Global Diversity & Inclusion Chair Constanze Ulmer-Eilfort said: "This recognition reflects the hard work shown by Paul, Jo and Sue and their dedication to creating an environment in which women can be comfortable and professional at work. As key champions of women in the workplace, they are looked on as role models and have been instrumental in driving diversity and inclusion, particularly gender equality, both in Baker McKenzie and in the legal profession more widely. I am delighted to see their efforts recognised in this way."
Original source can be found here.