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Diversity, equity and inclusion
Inclusion starts with people
We empower our people by valuing difference, fostering inclusion, and prioritising wellbeing—because when individuals feel seen and supported, great things happen
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A culture where everyone counts

We’re not here to tick boxes. We’re building a firm where fairness, representation and opportunity are at the core of how we work—and where wellbeing is a fundamental part of our culture, not an afterthought. Our DEI strategy is driven by three pillars: Accountability, Opportunity, and Community.

Each pillar reflects our commitment to lead with empathy, to open doors with clarity, and to make space for personality. That means creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves, supported to grow, and empowered to thrive. From governance to our Shadow Board, client partnerships to grassroots networks, we turn these values into action.

Because when people are free to express who they are, inclusion becomes real—and impact follows.

Driving change
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Diversity, equity and inclusion are everyone’s business. Our strategy ensures that responsibility sits where it should: with leaders, teams, and every individual at Shoosmiths: real people, bringing real perspectives.
Sophie Cowen
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Accountability: change starts at the top

We’ve built accountability into our governance. DEI is a standing agenda item at Board level, and our Shadow Board brings bold, diverse thinking into every conversation.

We design support around real lives, from co-parent leave to menopause, because clarity and empathy matter.

Embedding inclusion into our processes is driven by collaboration between Business Services and our people teams. By aligning operational delivery with inclusive practices—from recruitment and onboarding to everyday decision-making—this partnership ensures our commitments are reflected in how we work, not just what we say.

And with data from Pirical, we track our progress and share it openly, publishing detailed pay gap reports that reflect our commitment to transparency and trust.

Justice without barriers

Our lawyers provide pro bono legal services for individuals, charities and community groups who can’t otherwise afford it. From drafting agreements to helping people understand their rights, we support access to justice and strengthen the organisations that support others. We’re proud members of the UK Collaborative Plan for Pro Bono and LawWorks.

The team making it happen

"From funding to volunteering to ensuring access to justice, I help guide our firmwide efforts to support communities."

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Get to know Max Finney
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Advancing social mobility

Driving our commitment to social mobility is a long-standing focus on incrasing access to opportuity and the profession. This is delivered through targeted outreach in underserved communities, inclusive recruitment practices, and programmes that support individuals to thrive—regardless of their starting point. By collaborating across the industry, leading-non-for-profit experts in the field, our communities, and clients, we ensure our efforts are joined-up, practical and embedded into the way we work.