Linklaters named winner at UK Diversity Legal Awards
Linklaters has been named the winner of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award at the UK Diversity Legal Awards (UKDLAs) 2021, alongside Jivaan Bennett, Linklaters Dispute Resolution Associate, who has been awarded the Black Solicitor’s Network’s Rising Star Award.
Established by the Black Solicitors Network, the UKDLAs recognise, promote and celebrate the work and commendable efforts of individuals and organisations to engender greater diversity and inclusion across the legal profession.
Linklaters has been commended for its work in embedding mental health and wellbeing into its values and culture and, in particular, its support for those that may be living with domestic abuse. The firm was a leader in the legal sector in introducing a domestic abuse policy and package of support.
The Rising Star category recognises an exceptional lawyer, at the outset of their career, who stands out both in terms of strong legal, business, and client skills, and demonstrates leadership qualities and potential. Jivaan was recognised for his passion to create educational and professional opportunities for all and especially those from under-represented backgrounds. Amongst a host of other activities:
- Jivaan designed and delivers “Headstart", an initiative to prepare Black and minority ethnic trainees for life at Linklaters;
- He co-designed and helps to deliver the commercial awareness sessions on Linklaters’ Get Ahead programme (an initiative to assist the firm in its efforts to recruit trainees from under-represented backgrounds); and
- He is also member of Linklaters’ Race Action Plan Steering Committee and has played a key role in helping the firm deliver its Race Action Plan.
Find out more about the UKDLAs here.
