As part of the celebrations, the firm’s London offices will glow purple, staff will wear purple clothes and Reed Smith’s recognisable red, black and white logo will change colour for the week, all in support of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

Reed Smith is well known for its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce and so it is no surprise that celebrations are taking place across its global network today.  

LEADRS, the firm’s disability inclusion group, today launched the latest in its series of disability role model videos in which Vaibhav Adlakha, a London associate born with cerebral palsy, highlights the fact that everyone can add value if the right working environment is created. If the right working environment is not in place, he suggests that it’s time for us all to foster the change necessary in our value systems so that this can be facilitated and allow both individuals and companies alike to flourish and succeed.

LEADRS global co-chair Jonathan Radcliffe, who is himself disabled, said: “It makes me proud to be part of a firm that is committed to employing, retaining and developing such a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is in the DNA of our culture to embrace people’s abilities irrespective of any disability, and to support individuals with the challenges they face. 

“The effort everyone goes to on International Day of Persons with Disabilities is fantastic to see and I hope that we can shine brighter and raise more awareness this year. I will be wearing my purple shirt with pride!”

Carolyn Pepper, LEADRS global co-chair said: “Disability is often forgotten when people think about diversity and inclusion but that is absolutely not the case at Reed Smith. We want to hire and retain talented people with disabilities and focus on their abilities and not their disabilities.”