The awards, organised by Citywealth, “champion women in the wealth sector and highlight the female leaders of today and tomorrow; [and] recognise individuals and companies that support caregiving responsibilities and female leadership, and celebrate diversity.”

Reed Smith aims to be a standard bearer for diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal industry. Central to this aim and to the culture and values of the firm is creating an environment where women have equal opportunity to excel, and where the development, retention and rewarding of women lawyers is a top priority.

In related news, on 1 March 2023, Casey Ryan took over as Reed Smith’s global managing partner, becoming the twelfth managing partner in the global firm’s 146-year history, and the first woman to hold its top leadership position.

Reed Smith has 50% women and 40% ethnic minority representation on the firm’s Executive Committee, its highest level leadership body. In addition, total women lawyers increased from 35% in 2016 to 42% in 2021.

The Women’s Initiative Network of Reed Smith (WINRS) provides development support, training, mentoring and recruiting resources. WINRS is designed to ensure that women not only have a place at the table, but that they are also often the head of the table.

Reed Smith was shortlisted in five categories at the Powerwomen Awards in 2020 and won two awards at the 2018 Powerwomen Awards.

Reed Smith also recently received recognition from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum and from Seramount’s Best Law Firms for Women.