Global law firm Reed Smith has been named winner in the ‘Diversity Innovation’ category at the inaugural Legal Innovation Awards in London.

The firm was also shortlisted in the ‘Recruitment Innovation’ and ‘Next Generation’ categories for its efforts in attracting and nurturing Millennials through market-defining innovations in legal education and recruitment.

The Diversity Innovation category recognises firms who have invested in new processes and strategies to promote greater diversity in their culture. Reed Smith was awarded the prize for its achievements in attracting and recruiting disabled candidates. This includes efforts to increase collaboration, develop external partnerships and improve communications, following the creation of a Disability Task Force in 2012.

In 2014, Reed Smith received 65 applications from disabled candidates for the summer vacation scheme. It made five training contract offers to disabled applicants, all of which were accepted.

The win follows similar successes at the Legal Business Awards and UK Diversity Legal Awards, where the firm won ‘CSR Programme of the Year’ and ‘Recruitment: Attracting Talent’ respectively.

Sakil Suleman, partner and head of the firm’s UK Diversity Committee, commented:

“It is great to be recognised for our efforts over the last few years to fulfil our aim in becoming the law firm of choice for disabled candidates. Given the importance of diversity to the success of our business, we are committed and determined to attract candidates from the widest pool possible. We look forward to building on this success in the coming years by developing our existing relationships and harnessing new partnerships.”

ENDS

Note to Editors:

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm, with more than 1,800 lawyers in 25 offices throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are central to Reed Smith’s business. The talent pool is changing rapidly and the firm is determined to attract candidates from the widest pool possible, to continue to be competitive and to ensure the very best service for its clients. The firm sees differences as a strength and works hard to ensure a fair and inclusive environment for all, where the unique insights, perspectives and backgrounds of individuals are valued.

Reed Smith runs a number of programmes focused on all aspects of diversity and inclusion, including: race and ethnicity, disability, social mobility, gender equality and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The firm’s inclusion wheel summarises the key inclusion initiatives being undertaken, both internally and externally.

For further information, please contact Andrew Darby (senior corporate communications executive EME) on +44 (0)20 3116 3795.